Fw: Leadership - Just Do It

Team:

Today's Coach is Pastor Jon Courson. Thanks Tom O'neill for forwarding this Great Message. Judges 7:17

Today's Quarterback is Gideon. The one Thing Coach Jon wants us to think about is:

Taking Action Now!! Don't wait for Tomorrow.

Gideon took Action Now!

There was a Linebacker by the name of James in the New Testament Playbook.

He said,
"Faith without works is Dead."

He was also saying:

"Let's Go make a Great Play!"

Great Linebackers like James Do not Procrastinate.

They Just Go!

They have a sense of Urgency: Like Linebacker Clay Matthews Green Bay Packers.

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone." James 4:14

Great Linebackers make Decisions: "There is no time to Lose."

How often do we get tangled up with indecision? We fear we won't make the right Play instead of just going for it.

"The fear of man will trip you up."

Think about it: You Prepared to Prepare. You did all the right things to set yourself up for success.

Now Just Do It - You can't lose.

Read Romans 8:28: "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His Purpose."

Now Just Do It - You can't Lose.

Now make a decision. Be a Leader and Go For It!

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1

Leaders Lead Now! Leaders don't wait for votes and popularity contests. Leaders know what they want and they Just Go Do It!

"If you continually ask yourself, What's important now? you won't waste time on the trivial."

Lou Holtz  Former Head Football Coach Notre Dame

ow - Just Go! Win the Day

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

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And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise . . .
Judges 7:17 (a)

"Look on me and do likewise," said Gideon.

"Follow me as I follow Christ," echoed Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Gideon was a man of action.

He was a doer, not simply a talker. He sought the Lord, selected 300 troops out of 32,000, risked his life by sneaking into the Midianite camp, surveyed the situation, overheard a conversation, came back, developed a strategy, supplied his troops, and then did battle.

No committees, no dialogues, no discussions. He was a doer. He made things happen. And that's the kind of men God is looking for today - men who see the need and fill it, men who go for it.
Gideon was a man who understood that leadership was not about lecturing, but simply about leading; not saying, "You go," but saying, "Let's go."

I like Gideon. He didn't say, "Listen to me." He said, "Look on me." This is real leadership.

Whether in a marriage, family, ministry, or on the job site, the key is to say what Paul and Gideon said: Watch me. Do what I do.

That's my prayer for us.

This Daily Devotional is an excerpt from the book "Footsteps of the Flock" by Pastor Jon.

Fw: Impact Play: “In Over Your Head?”

Team:

Congratulations to our Louisiana Huddle at Northlake High School and the Broussard Family!!

They Won the Men's Highschool Soccer State Championship last night 3-0.

Awesome Job!!! Praise God!

Please send us a Message to the Keys of your Success when you have a moment.
Today's Athlete is a Swimmer from Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Today's Quarterback is David. David was overwhelmed running away from his enemies.
 
"Then thought I to understand this 
 but it was too hard for me,
Until I went into the Sanctuary of God 
 then understood I the end of these men;" Psalm 73:15-16

The Quarterback David was getting overwhelmed by the other Team. He couldn't figure out their Defense.

At Half Time David went to the Sanctuary or the Locker Room. He needed re-group.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed?

Go to the Sanctuary of God!!!!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

Focus on God not the Problem.

Isaiah 26:3 to 4 (NIV), "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal".

"It's not the size of the Dog in the fight, it's the size of the Fight in the Dog."

Mark Twain

"Greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world."

Our Fight is God's!!!!

Go to the Sanctuary of God!!!!

Now - Just Go! Win the Day

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

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In Over Your Head? Friday, February 25th, 2011

READY:  "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"   -1 John 3:1 (NIV) SET: 

Splashing furiously, I tried desperately to outswim my younger sister. As I reached through the water with every ounce of strength in my 16-year-old body, my lungs and muscles burned. I looked up at the clock. She'd beaten me…again. I was crushed.

The pain my body experienced couldn't compare to the pain I felt inside—the jealousy and anger and failure. Nothing mattered except the reality that I had lost to my fiercest competitor.

Have you ever experienced the pain of defeat? It's hard to prepare so hard for competition only to fall short of your goal. But sometimes our goals aren't aimed at pleasing God as they should be.

My goal had been to defend my pride and my status as a winner. And when we take our eyes off of God, we will always fall short. In fact, we all fall short of the glory of God in some way.

Watching the Olympics shows us so many examples of how even the best athletes in the world fall and make mistakes. They spend years training to hone their skills, but, even then, they aren't immune to defeat.

As a teenager, my sport was everything to me. My identity was wrapped up in my victories and defeats. How well I performed determined how valuable I was. It's easy to rely on yourself, your coaches, teammates, competitors or family members to determine your worth as a person.

But none of them can establish your true value.

The truth is that God created you and loves you as His child regardless of what you do as an athlete. Reread 1 John 3:1 from above and trust in the truth today. GO: 

1. Do you find your identity in your sport, grades, job, family or anything else apart from God?

2. Do you believe that God loves you no matter what you accomplish or are you trying to earn His approva

Fw: Impact Play: “The Plan”

Team:

Today's Coach is Michael Hill From Kansas. Coach Hill is a former High School Football Coach from Kansas.

We Have Plans and God Has Plans. When both of our Plans line up together we are Winners. Jeremiah 29:11

Strong Safety Amos said,

"Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" Amos 3:13

In the Book of Mark Jesus called the Play.

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."
Mark 16:15

In other words: "Give everyone the Good News in the Playbook."

The Jeremiah 29:11 Good News
The John 3:16 Good News ect...

In Acts Luke gave them instructions on how to execute the Game Plan. Acts 2:42

"They Devoted themselves to the Apostles' Teaching and to the Fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to Prayer."
Acts 2:42

Devoted is Such a Powerful Word! The definition of Devoted is:

"to apply to a certain pursuit, cause, etc."

1. Be Devoted Daily to one Play in the Play book.

2. Be Devoted to Hanging Out with the Right People. (Who is in your Huddle?)

3. Be Devoted to Breaking Bread with each other (your Huddle). Del Taco, McDonalds, Pizza ect...

4. Be Devoted to Praying with The Coach - Jesus every morning.

Here in Acts 2:42 there are Four Great Plays we can use to help us daily.

God has a great Plan and Playbook for our Lives.

Now it is up to us to Call the Play from His Playbook and with His help Execute in our own Lives.

Check out the following message by Coach Hill

Now - Just Go! Win the Day

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

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The Plan Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

READY: 

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

SET:  How many of us have ever started a practice, game or even a season without a plan? To me, that idea doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

As coaches, we have plans coming out our ears! I started working on next season just as soon as this season was over.

After all, I had to recruit in-coming freshman and encourage the returning athletes to come back. The last thing I wanted was for them to lose interest in being part of the team.

I am such a pack rat. I've kept plans I made for sports that I never even coached from the head coaching position. You never know when you'll be a head coach of a new sport someday, right?

You just have to be ready at a moment's notice. I don't know if you've ever read the FCA Coach's Mandate, or not, buts it has a phrase that offers something a little different. Line 12 says,

"Trust God to produce in my athletes His chosen purposes, regardless of whether the wins are readily visible."

This goes along with what God says in Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT): "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"

In this verse, we find a direct promise of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, yet we struggle to apply it to our coaching lives.

For years I thought I was sold-out to coaching for Jesus, but the attitude I had was a little different. I trusted God to provide for me and my family.

I trusted His plan for my life and that He would put me at the school He knew I needed to be at. But that was about where it ended. How arrogant does this sound?

"God, I know You are God. I know You love me and have a plan for me. I know all of this, but I've got this football thing. Don't worry about it.

I know what I'm doing." Really? Did I not think God could come up with a better game-plan than I could? Did I actually think I could break down game film better than God could? How stupid was that?

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying we should stop watching film, stop having practice schedules or just wing it on Friday nights.

I'm saying that, since I thought I knew how to break down film better than God, I missed out on the first four years of my oldest daughter's life.

I was too busy being my own little football god instead of growing closer to Him in all aspects of my life.

The line from the Coach's Mandate says it is HIS chosen purpose in our athletes' lives; not ours. We cannot and are not supposed to be god in our player's lives. I beg you, don't try to be!

Grow your relationship with God and enjoy ALL the blessings He has given you, not just on the team He's given you.

GO: 

1. Do you trust God in certain areas of your life, but not in others? Which ones and why?

2. What would it look like for you to trust God with 100 percent of your life?

3. How much time do you spend focusing on God?

4. If you are an athlete or business professional, how does this concept apply to you?

WORKOUT: Exodus 20:3Matthew 17:20Luke 17:6

Fw: Keep Growing - Harvest Devotion

Team:

Today's Coach is Greg Laurie. Today's Quarterback is Paul the Apostle.

Paul here is encouraging us not to be Complacent in our Spiritual Lives. We need to keep moving forward and always learning how to get better every day.

"The enemy to growth is contentment."
Greg Laurie

It is Awesome that God gives us a Spiritual Game Plan that we can also apply to our Family, Career, School and Athletics.

It is like the High Jump in a Track Meet.

"We need to keep raising the bar for ourselves."

Greg Laurie

"Every day and every way we get a little better."

Bill Workman Former Head Football Coach Edison Highschool / Orange Coast College

"Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." 

John Wooden UCLA

"Do all you can do and -- a little bit more and you will be successful."

Now - Just Go! Win the Day

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 The Enemy to Growth

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. — Philippians 3:13–14

Are you satisfied with your spiritual life right now? I am not satisfied with mine.

I feel there is a lot of growing I still need to do. I feel there are a lot of things I still need to learn and a lot of changes that still need to happen in my life.

And guess what? The same is true for you. The enemy to growth is contentment.

There is a place for being content as a Christian, but never be content with where you are spiritually.

You should always be wanting more—wanting to learn more and wanting to grow more. This is where people often have a breakdown when it comes to keeping their resolutions. They just give up.

They think, I can never do it. I am just going to accept who I am and where I am. I will just accept things the way they are. But that is not good enough.

We need to commit ourselves to get past the barriers and meet the goals we have set, whether it is growing spiritually or getting in better shape so we can live productive lives for God's glory.

We need to keep raising the bar for ourselves.

The apostle Paul, after years of walking with God, said, "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me" (Philippians 3:12).

To loosely paraphrase, Paul was saying, "I am not satisfied with where I am. I want to keep growing and progressing spiritually."

So don't settle with where you are spiritually. Be thankful for how far God has brought you, but at the same time, keep moving forward to what is still ahead.

Note: Pastor Greg's award-winning autobiographical film is coming to Netflix. If you currently subscribe to Netflix, you can save this film to your queue by visiting netflix.harvest.org.

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Fw: Leadership 'Get in the Game.'

Team:

Today's Coach is Jon Courson. Linebacker Tom O'neill called the Play: Serve

Yesterday we talked about Servant Leadership. How Joseph rose the Top by Serving. He went from focusing on his Dreams to others and their Dreams and He with God's Wisdom and Understanding Saved the World from Famine and Starvation.

The World, and your Local Community like Highschool and Junior High are Starving for The Good News.

There is a Spiritual Famine in your Community.

Serve by Sharing the Good News that God has a Great Plan for your Peers and Friends. Jer 29:11

Jesus said, "the Greatest in the Kingdom is the Servant."

Today Pastor Jon say's, "Now get in the Game and Execute."

Why? Because when we Serve we honor God. When we honor God We get Wisdom and Understanding.
Psalm 111:10

Do you want to Understand the Playbook better?

Serve

You can be a Servant Leader in many ways:

Encouraging each other

Lift each other up ect....

"People Don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Zig Zigler

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong.

Because someday in life you will have been all of these."-

George Washington Carver

Now Execute the Play!

Serve

Now - Just Go! Win the Day

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

February 21

Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.
Judges 5:23

Although we don't know its exact location, Meroz was a city of Israel in the region of the battle that ensued between Israel and the Canaanite king, Jabin.

The inhabitants of Meroz were cursed for their failure to get involved in the battle.

The same is still true. Cursed will be the man or woman who does not get involved in the battle, who does not get involved in service.

You see, when we all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, those who didn't get involved - who sat back day after week after month after year after decade, missing opportunities in their own communities to be part of God's plan for the area - will weep.

"Why did I waste my life?" they will cry. "What was I thinking? Why did I have time for this and that - but not to get involved in what God called me to do, in what He gave me the ability to do?"

God has things in store for us that are mind-blowing, gang, but this is the only opportunity we have to be able to be at the top or middle level - ruling ten or five cities.

There will be many in Heaven who make it, "yet so as by fire" (1 Corinthians 3:15).

They will be there, but they'll have no rewards because they buried the personality, intellectual ability, musical skill, or finances God entrusted to them. As a result, they'll curse themselves.

The way to be sad today is to not serve the Lord - to focus on your problems, your situation, your hurts, your needs, your life.

Everything is discouraging when we live for ourselves. Instead of worrying about what shape you're in emotionally, financially, or physically, forget about yourself and start serving others.

Jesus said, "The measure you give out will be the measure returned to you" (see Matthew 7:2).

Start serving others and I guarantee you'll find yourself free from the curse of self-absorption today, and free from cursing yourself in the days to come.

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Fw: Impact Play: “Dream Big!”

Team:

Today's Team is Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The Team Captains are Joseph and Daniel.

Joseph was a Big Dreamer he wanted to be all that God wanted him to be. Along the way he had the naysayers ridiculing him. His own Team was against him.

The Coach was Jacob. Jacob believed in Joseph's Leadership capabilities. Joseph had the opportunity to call some Big plays against the enemy but his teammates in his own huddle wouldn't listen.

God allowed Joseph to be Traded to another Team where he was very successful under Coach Potiphar who was an officer in Pharaoh's army.

However the Coaches wife tried to seduce Joseph. She was offended he didn't succumb and Trumped up False Accusations and had him thrown out of the league and put in Prison.

Joseph was now an inmate but God was still working. Now instead of having his own dream he was asked to interpret someone else's dream.

He went from his own Dreams to Helping with someone else's Dream.

A True Leader is a Servant Leader who helps others with their Dreams First.

A True Leader will also let the Dreamer know the Real Truth.

Joseph and the Baker in Genesis 40 and Daniel to Belshazzar Daniel 7.

It looks like in both situations Joe and Daniel the Team Captains warned these two before it got to destruction. They both had a chance to Change. (In Belshazzar's case Isaiah predicted what would happen 100's of years before.)

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18

The Point is a True Leader is a Servant Leader and tells the Good and the Bad and then Executes a Game Plan.

You can't control how the message is received or feel sorry for them when you give the message. You just do your best to humbly Lead and let God take care of the rest.

This dream revealed a Game Plan that would help the League Survive a Major Famine.

The President then appointed this Inmate to VP. The Pharoah knew about Joseph's Leadership; while he was the QB for Potiphar's team he had some great season's.

Now it was Joseph's Time to Lead. Joseph Saved the World from Starvation along with his own Team.

God's Timing always work's. You may think it's over. But God has other plans for your Talents and Gifts.

The path to the ultimate Purpose and Plan for your Life isn't always easy. In the End you will be Victorious!!!

Your Big Dreams Will Come True!

"Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I'll show you someone who has overcome adversity."

Lou Holtz ⁠Head Coach Notre Dame Football    ⁠   

"Fear Not is stated 365 times in the Bible."

Mark Richt Head Football Coach Georgia in the Movie Facing the Giants

Prepare to Prepare

Now - Just Go - Win the Day!!!!

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

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Dream Big! Friday, February 18th, 2011

READY:  "Joseph had a dream...but his father kept the matter in mind." -Genesis 37:5a, 11b

SET:  Have you ever been a part of a team that had a break-through year? In my own experiences as both a player and a coach, I find that those moments happen after a great deal of planning and training.

Usually those "miracle" seasons don't just happen; they are the result of hard work and effort. But one thing they do have in common is a big dream.

Regardless of how hard a coaching staff plans or how much a team trains, if they don't dream big, they can't hope to achieve something beyond themselves.

In Genesis 37, Scripture tells us about Joseph and his dream. He didn't just have one, though; he had two. When he shared the dream with his brothers, they completely understood the meaning of the dream: that Joseph would be elevated above them.

Verse 11 says that his brothers envied him while his father pondered the meaning of these dreams.

Scripture doesn't specifically say that Joseph's dream came from God, but the implication was there. And I would bet that, in the ensuing trials he endured, Joseph probably treasured that dream in his heart.

Knowing that he had been promised a great future probably gave him hope when times looked hopeless—strength when he was weak; hope when he was in the depths of despair.

Championship teams have vision. They set goals that others may not believe are possible.

Those teams envision the rewards on the other side of their dreams, and they allow that vision to carry them through the trials and tribulations of the season.

When it comes to life, do we do the same thing? Have we ever taken inventory of our gifts, turned them over to God, and said, "Use me to build Your kingdom?"

Fw: The Attitude

Team:

Today's Coach is Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Coach Chuck is the Former U.S. Senate Chaplain and the President of Dallas Theological Seminary.

This Next Quote by Chuck Swindoll should be on your Mirror and repeated everyday along with Phil 2:5.

"Let this Attitude be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus..." Phil 2:5

By Chuck Swindoll:

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.

It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.

It is more important than appearance, gifts or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.

We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes."

 Charles R. Swindoll

"When your confidence goes up, your competence goes up."

Zig Ziglar ⁠    ⁠   

It all begins with your Attitude then your Confidence will Follow.

Prepare to Prepare

Now - Just Go - Win the Day!!!!

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

Fw: Move on to Victory

Team:

Today's Coach is Oregon's Pastor Jon Courson. Today's Quarterback is Tom Oneal. Thanks Tom for calling the Play today.

Coach Jon says we need Forget the Past mistakes and move on to Victory.

Do you ever live in the Past? Worried about past mistakes? Is there a recorder in your brain that reminds you of your past mistakes?

Turn Off the recorder of the past and Turn On and Listen to the Holy Spirit telling you about God's Great Plans for your Future. Jer 29:11 / Phil 4:13

In football we sometimes get a Penalty Flag for making a mistake. Sometimes we fumble and get intercepted ect...

If we dwell on the mistakes and penalties we will lose.

We need to Move On!

"When you make a mistake, admit it; learn from it and don't repeat it."

Bear Bryant Former Head Coach Alabama ⁠Football    ⁠   

Don't be afraid to make a mistake.
Sometimes the greatest learning comes from mistakes.

I told my 6th Grade daughter to Foul out in Basketball. I said if you Foul out we will Win. Juliana is by nature shy. We needed her to be Aggressive to Beat this Bigger and Stronger Player.

She not only fouled out but she also got 5 steals and made a Great Free Throw. She got over the fear of making a mistake. By the way we won by that one Free Throw.

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe."
Proverbs 29:25

The Fear of making a mistake will trip you up.

"To be an innovator, you can't be worried about making mistakes."

Julius Erving ⁠ Dr. J
Philadelphia 76ers   ⁠   

"People fail forward to success".
Mary Kay Ash

"See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you" Isaiah 42:9

Today is a New Day!

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1

Forget the Past!

Now - Just Go! Win the Day!

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.
Judges 1:19

Why couldn't Judah drive out the inhabitants of the valley? Because their eyes were fixed on the iron chariots rather than on Almighty God.

If your eyes are fixed on the Lord, I care not how formidable your foe might be, it can be overcome.

But if your eyes are on the obstacle - if you're focused on the problem, if you're in bondage to your past - you will not drive out your enemy no matter how small it is.

You've got to lift your eyes higher and fix them on the Father. Yes, the enemies of Judah had chariots of iron, but if Judah had lifted their eyes higher and focused upon the One who has twenty thousand chariots at His command (Psalm 68:17), they would have been victorious.

Judah was successful in the mountains, but they were discouraged and defeated in the valley.

We sometimes tend to live in our past.

We think that because we've had problems with iron chariots previously, we need always be fearful whenever we see them on the horizon.

Not true. We need to be a people who put the past behind us - past defeats, past discouragements, past wounds, past failures, past sins.

"This one thing I do," said our brother, Paul, "forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

We need to put the past away and lift our eyes higher - beyond the failure of the past, beyond the chariots of the present - to the high calling of God Who enables us to do all that He asks of us.

This Daily Devotional is an excerpt from the book "Footsteps of the Flock" by Pastor Jon.

Fw: Impact Play: “What Would You Ask?”

Team:

Today's Point Guard is Jere Johnson From Chicago FCA.

Teachers and Coaches make a major Impact in our lives.

Can you remember One thing your Coach said to you that Changed your Life and Turned you in the Right Direction?

Paul the Apostle said:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

- The Past is Gone! God has a Great Future for You Jer 29:11

Ray Kroc Founder of McDonalds said:

"Press on. Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence."

- Persistence - It's not over till you Win!!

Former Notre Dame Football Coach Ara Parseghian said:

"You can't run a popularity contest and be successful."

- Doing the Right Thing isn't always Popular.

Three different Leaders say Three Key Things that are Keys to being Successful in Life and with God.

-Forget the Past!

-Be Persistent!

-Do the Right Thing!

Now Point guard Jere Johnson is going to tell you what he would ask John Wooden Former UCLA Basketball Coach.

He is also going to show you what the Greatest Teacher - Coach of All Time, Jesus Christ, said is the most important thing you can do everyday to be successful.  

Now what will you ask your Coach?

- Please pray for Coach Workman as he is recovering from Double Knee Replacement Surgery performed on Monday.

Now - Just Go - Win the Day!

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

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What Would You Ask? Friday, February 11th, 2011

READY:  He was praying in a certain place, and when He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples."  -Luke 11:1 (HCSB)

SET:  If you had the opportunity to sit down with the coach you considered to be the all-time greatest in your sport, what would you ask him or her to teach you?

But say you only got to make ONE request. That would change everything, wouldn't it?

My all-time favorite coach was John Wooden. There are a ton of things I would have liked to ask Coach Wooden, so, narrowing it down to just one question would have been extremely difficult. But, after thinking about it, I believe the one topic I would have chosen would have been team chemistry.

How did he get all those different players to bond together for the common cause of winning another title?

There are so many other things I could ask him, but, in team sports today, chemistry means just as much as X's and O's.

Jesus Christ had a team of disciples. They spent three years following the greatest life coach of all time. They could have asked Him anything, but, I find it interesting that His team asked Him how to pray.

They didn't ask Him to teach them how to speak in public, turn water into wine, or do any of the other amazing things that Jesus did. They asked Him to teach them to pray. 

Obviously, there was power when Jesus prayed. When He prayed, things happened, and these disciples were firsthand witnesses to it all.

So, that begs the question for us: If prayer was that important to those who followed Christ so closely, shouldn't we be asking Him the same thing they did?

Think about this for a few minutes. What would that one thing be that you would ask your all-time favorite coach?

Whatever it is, I'm sure it would help you grow as an athlete or coach yourself. Isn't that the point, though?

No matter what we ask, it would be to help us gain greater knowledge in an area of needed improvement. That could have been why the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray.

They knew that they could make great strides in this area by learning from the Master.

Do you need a more effective prayer life?

Today, ask the Lord to teach you how to pray—to pray more fervently, more effectively, more specifically, more humbly, more expectantly, or simply just to pray like Christ.

GO: 

1. Who is your all-time favorite coach? What would you ask him or her to teach you?

2. Why do you think that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray?

3. What do you think is the purpose of prayer?

4. Spend some time in the Bible reading about how Jesus prayed, and note some of the specific things you learn. Then, ask Him to teach you how to pray.

5. Think of someone you know who has a powerful prayer life. Ask this person how they developed the skill.

WORKOUT:  Matthew 6:5-15 Luke 11:1-13 John 17:1-3

Fw: Pressure

Team:

Today's Team is Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Here we have a great lesson on how to deal with Pressure Situations.

In Basketball Teams use a Full Court Press to Pressure the other team to make mistakes and turn the ball over.

In life we get Full Court Pressed daily. We all have our own Pressure whether you are a Student, a Parent, a Coach, a Player, a Business Person ect...

How do we deal with the Pressure?

One way is to be Prepared when it comes with a plan to escape. In Basketball it is called a "Press Break."

In Practice you run it over and over and over so when the game comes you are Prepared.

" Repetition is the mother of all learning."
By Reading the Playbook daily and Practicing what it says we are Prepared to be Prepared with a Plan of Action when the Pressure comes.
⁠    ⁠
Here are some great quotes from people who Trusted God in times of Trouble.

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ⁠    ⁠   

"I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."

Booker Washington ⁠   

Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I'll show you someone who has overcome adversity.

Lou Holtz Head Coach Notre Dame
 ⁠   

Now - Just Go! Win the Day!

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

------ Email ------
 
Double-Teamed:

READY:  "A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance." -John 10:10 (HCSB)

SET:  In basketball, guards are taught to face the basket, their teammates and their opponents. Many times, in order to rattle these guards, a defense will double-team them when they have the ball.

The pressure of a double-team can be relentless. If the defense can cause the guard to become insecure in his or her ball-handling ability, and if the guard's teammates seem out of reach for a pass, the guard will likely turn their back to the defender, the basket and their teammates.

That's when they become vulnerable. Once the guard turns their back, that's when "the thief" (the other defender) comes in from the blindside and attempts to steal the ball.

In our lives, pressure can cause insecurities to rise to the surface, and that's when we become vulnerable.

When this happens, we've got to face these fears head-on. We have to break through the double-team, break through the traps of fear, shame, doubt, guilt, escapism (drugs, alcohol, vegging out), and even suicide. Break through these traps by facing the pressure head on.

God says we can do it, and He even gives us the strength!

Jesus Christ came so that you could live abundant life despite these death traps and double-teams.

Breaking through them, however, requires full-on faith. Don't give into the temptation to do it half-way.

There is life-giving power that can be found when we face pressure and hard truths head on.

Fw: Impact Play: “Rubber-Band Faith”

Team:

Today's Coach is Dan Britton of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Today Coach Dan calls a great Play.

"We need to Stretch the Field."

"Put on our Uniform of Faith."

"But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on Faith and Love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet."
I Thessalonians 5:8

What is Faith?

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Think of a Light Switch. When you turn it on you know the Light is going to turn on even though what you Hope for is not seen - Electricity.

How do you know this? By Experience.

As you Experience God working in your Life your Faith Grows and makes you Stronger and Stronger.

How do you get Faith?

"So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Romans 10:17

The Better you Know and Hear the Playbook and Practice the Plays (as if you were in a Game) the more Faith and Confidence you will have on Game Day.

By the End of the Season your Faith is on Auto Pilot and you Execute God's game plan in you Life with Confidence each day.

There will be temporary setbacks along the way so Remember Win One Day at a Time.

Coach Lombardi says,

"It's easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you're a winner, when you're number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you're not a winner."

Vince Lombardi Green Bay Packers

Now Check out what it means to "Stretch the field" of your Faith as you read Coach Dan's FCA commentary.

Now - Just Go! Win the Day!

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com
------ Email ------

 
READY:  Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following Him, " I assure you: I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith! - Matthew 8:10 (HCSB) SET: 

I love rubber bands. They are one of the greatest inventions ever! They are simple, practical, and useful. And, while there are many uses for them, one of the most basic functions of rubber bands is to hold a group of objects together.

I always keep a rubber band around my wrist. You never know when you might need one! But my habit took on new meaning this past year when my friend and FCA teammate, Donnie Dee, who also wears one around his wrist, offered me a challenge.

When I asked him why he wore his rubber band, he said that it was a constant reminder that God wanted to stretch him daily. I was converted on the spot!

Rubber bands are pretty useless unless they are stretched. When they are extended beyond their standard form, they can hold things together and accomplish their purpose.

After hearing Donnie's reasoning, I began to look at my rubber band as a reminder to have rubber-band faith.

Think about it. Faith is much like a rubber band in that it is useless unless it is stretched. Our faith needs to be tested, because when we step out of our comfort zone, it is expanded.

Scripture tells us that Jesus was astonished only twice—once for a man's great faith (Matthew 8:5-10) and once for a group's lack of it (Mark 6:4-6).

The Roman commander in Matthew had so much faith that he asked Jesus to just speak words of healing and his servant would be made well.

Jesus' response was, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." (Matthew 8:10). That's rubber-band faith.

I think we all need to examine our level of faith and ask ourselves if it is getting stronger or weaker. When we are willing to step out and stretch ourselves, God shows up and does what we can't do.

We need to keep putting ourselves in situations where we whisper, "God, if You don't show up, I am bound to fail. I can't do this in my own strength."

As competitors, we have been blessed with incredible talents and skills to perform at a high levels. It's hard to have rubber-band faith as athletes and coaches because we rely too much on our own abilities.

But we need to step out and ask the Lord to stretch us on the field of competition and in the arena of life. When we have rubber-band faith, we will immediately respond, "God did it!" instead of, "I did it!"

True faith begins at the edge of your comfort zone. Be bold and courageous and step out, letting God extend you. Trust me, you were made to be stretched.

GO: 

1. In your own words, how would you define rubber-band faith?

2. When has your faith been stretched the most? How did God show up?

3. As a competitor, how can you play with rubber-band faith? How can you live with rubber-band faith?

4. Read Mark 6:4-6. Why was Jesus astonished? What can you learn from this passage?

WORKOUT:  2 Chronicles 16:9 Luke 7:2-9 Hebrews 11:6

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Dan Britton serves as FCA's Executive Vice President of Ministry Programs at the National Support Center in Kansas City. He is the co-author of WisdomWalks – a real-life guide for walking purposefully with God and others. He and his wife Dawn reside in Overland Park, Kan., with their three children: Kallie, Abby and Elijah. As a former professional lacrosse player, he still loves playing and coaching lacrosse and running marathons. You can e-mail Dan at dan@fca.org.

Become a WisdomWalker! WisdomWalks.org
For more information about FCA please visit FCA.org.

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Fw: There Is a Crowd Cheering You On

Team:

Here is a great call by today's Coach Adrian Rogers.

When I was playing Football we would run Wind Sprints right after practice.

The one we dreaded the most was "Gassers and Lines."

This conditioning helped us in the 4th quarter. When the game was on the line we knew we were prepared to be prepared and in better shape then our opponent.

The Coach would not allow us to bend over if we were exhausted. On Defense we Stood Tall between each Play. We were not to show any sign of weakness.

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to try just one more time."

Thomas Edison

"I have missed more than nine thousand shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On twenty-six-occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot - and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is precisely why I succeed."

Michael Jordon
Chicago Bulls

"Never Ever Give Up!"

Jim Valvano
North Carolina State Basketball Coach
1983 NCAA Champions

Now - Just Go! Win the Day!

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

------ Email ------
There Is a Crowd, Cheering You On

Devotional thought from the messages of Adrian Rogers

BIBLE MEDITATION: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12:1-2a DEVOTIONAL

THOUGHT: There are a lot of athletes with natural ability, but what is it that turns a mediocre athlete into a gold medal champion?

One athlete is willing to hurt more than the other.

When you can't take another step, your muscles are sore, your body is aching—this is what it means to be running the race with perseverance, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:1.

You are bearing up under tremendous pressure. You are running to build endurance.

ACTION POINT: Today you may be hurting because a family member, coworker, or classmate has been unfair to you. A spouse has left. A friend walked away.

Perhaps you were passed over for a promotion. Run with patience. Look to Jesus. Building a faith that will go the distance takes both patience and time.

Fw: rpponder sent you a video: "Josh Ponder #46 - 2010 Highlights"

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Fw: rpponder sent you a video: "Josh Ponder #46 - 2010 Highlights"

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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Fw: Leadership Gideon and Peter

Team:

Today's Coach is Mike MacIntosh. Today's Athlete is Gideon. Judges 6

Gideon was a Reluctant Leader. The Coach (God) calls for him to get in the game and he finds ways to delay because he is afraid of the Enemy and Peer Pressure.

Before we get to Mike's Message on Gideon let's look at Quarterback Peter who has a similar story.

Quarterback Peter did not want to get in the Game when the Roman Soldiers took Jesus away to be Crucified.

Peter was also called to be a Leader but he was Sacked Three times by Life.

Coach Jesus told Peter "you will deny me three times." Peter said, "no way I will always be in the game with you Lord Coach."

When the Pressure came Peter denied he knew the Coach.

Both of these Great Leaders Had a difficult time getting in the game.

In both situations the Team was without Leadership. The players were Scattered.

God chose Gideon and Peter to Lead their Teams.

God wants to put you in the game. He may throw you into a Leadership role before you know it.

Sometimes the Opportunity just presents itself. God has a way of Turning Problems into Opportunities.

What is Leadership?

Leadership isn't always telling people what to do.(That is one reason why we are so reluctant).

Leadership is Leading by Example, Serving and Delegating Responsibility.

"Few things help an individual more than to place Responsibility upon him and to let him Know that you Trust him."

Booker Washington ⁠    ⁠   

God gave Gideon, Peter and you Responsibility and Trust.

Bart Star Quarterback for the Packers under Vince Lombardi said:

T.E.A.M.

T Together
E Everyone
A Achieves
M More

Look at Coach Mike's commentary on Gideon and see how Gideon gradually overcomes his fear to Lead.

Now there are Gideon Bibles in every room in 80 Percent of all the Major Hotels around the World.

By the Way, Peter came back from his Defeat and became one of the Greatest Leader's of all time. John 21:17

Coach Jesus Recruited you to Lead!

Why? To Make BIG Plays!

Don't wait for life to lead you. You Lead Life! The Clock is Running with no Timeouts left. Just Do It Today.

There is no Tomorrow!

Now - Just Go - Win the Day and LEAD!

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

------ Email ------
Now it came to pass the same night that the Lord said to him,

"Take your father's young bull, the second bull of seven years old, and tear down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the wooden image that is beside it; and build an altar to the Lord your God on top of this rock in the proper arrangement, and take the second bull and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the image which you shall cut down."

So Gideon took ten men from among his servants and did what the Lord had said to him.

But because he feared his father's household and the men of the city too much to do it by Day, he did it by Night.
Judges 6:25-27

God called Gideon a mighty man of valor (Judges 6:12), but all we know is that he's a farmer.

There's not a verse anywhere in the Bible that tells us he's a warrior. This man has never held a sword in his hand, he's never been to battle, and he knows no strategies of warfare.

From our vantage point, Gideon is no man of valor. He has even shown with his own lips that he's somewhat of a coward, and he's hesitant to believe that anything good would happen because of so many years of oppression.

So why does God call him a man of valor?
Because God sees who Gideon is when he's empowered by His Spirit.

Now Baal was one bad thing to worship.

The people who worshiped Baal believed that if they sacrificed and built altars to him, the weather would be favorable and their crops would be spared of disease or disaster.

Plain and simple, this was devil worship, and that's why God wanted all those people wiped out.

So God's first assignment to Gideon was to tear down Baal's altar and the wooden image, and to build a brand new altar that was for the Lord.

Insecure and hesitant as he was, he obeyed!

Sometimes we hide behind our frailties and insecurities, our setbacks and our sin, and we basically give up on doing anything great for the Lord.

Look at Gideon's life here as a great example of a simple man used by God to do supernatural things. This could only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit (Judges 7:34).

That's why an ordinary farmer could be called a mighty man of valor by God.

And with the Lord on your side, you too are a mighty man or woman of valor. If you have Jesus Christ dwelling in your heart, you have Value and you have Worth because you're His kid and you're filled with the Holy Spirit.



Read Through the Bible in 1 Year
Today:
Exodus 25:1-26:37
Matthew 24:1-28
Psalm 19:7-14
Proverbs 6:32-35

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Fw: Aaron Rogers Prepared to be Prepared

Team:

Today's Quarterback is Aaron Rogers of Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.

Are you Prepared to be Prepared?

What does it mean to be Prepared?

5 P's:

Proper
Planning
Prevents
Poor
Performance

Or

Proper
Planning
Predicts
Powerful
Performance

The 5 P's should be in the Front of Your Playbook.

Aaron Rogers never Doubted because he was Prepared Physically, Mentally and Spiritually.

Aaron Rogers was a Junior College Transfer before he went to Cal Berkeley. He didn't get a Scholarship out of Highschool.

Did that stop him? No Way!!!

He Believed in God and Himself and was Prepared to be Prepared.

From Junior College to Super Bowl MVP!

"I never doubted I could do this, I just always wondered if I'd get a chance."
Aaron Rogers QB Packers

"Next to Love Attitude is the Strongest Word in the Human Vocabulary."
Bart Star QB Packers

Preparation and Belief are everything not only in our careers but our relationship with God.

God has given all of us the potential to be the best at what we do.

"Whatever your life's work is, do it well." Martin Luther King, Jr

Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to PREPARE a place for you."
John 14:2

Aaron's Friend Jesus is your Offensive Coordinator Calling and Making all the Right Plays for You.

Now - Just Go - Win the Day!!!!

Rick P
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

Fw: Impact Play: Commitment

Team:
Today's Team is Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Coach is Dwayne Smith.
What is Commitment?

"The quality of a man's life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavor."

Vince Lombardi Green Bay Packers ⁠    ⁠   

"I always tell our athletes, "The qualities you develop now, the things we're going to insist upon, will be with you for life, and they'll always be as sound and as good as they are now." All we're really talking about is a commitment to excellence."

Lou Holtz Notre Dame Football    ⁠   

"Commit your works to the LORD
And your plans will be established."
Proverbs 16:3

Now - Just Go! Win the Day
Rick P.
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com
------ Email ------
  Serving "God, help them to be sensitive to the needs around them and give them a desire to meet those needs as they model Jesus' example of serving..."
-- John 13:12-15
 

What do I still lack? Friday, February 4th, 2011 READY: 

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" -Matthew 19:20 SET: 

The fastest kid on my track team was an imposing figure. He was 6 feet tall and weighed 170 lbs. He was absolutely ripped and had thighs like tree trunks. When he ran, he looked like a gazelle.

He had all the makings of a top-class sprinter, but there was one thing he lacked: Commitment. He missed practices, showed up late for meets and had a hard time finishing workouts.

Although he possessed all of the physical tools, he rarely gave his all. This kid reminds me of the rich young ruler, whose story is found in the New Testament.

He was a man who thought he had done everything he needed to get eternal life. But when he asked Jesus what he still lacked, Jesus told him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young man couldn't do it. He couldn't give up all that he had. 

Since then, God has not changed. Jesus wanted total commitment back then, and He still wants total commitment from us today. It is only when we fully surrender ourselves TO Him that we can accomplish anything FOR Him.

He has equipped us with many mental, emotional, spiritual and physical tools. In order to maximize all He has given us, however, we must remain committed.

GO:  1. In what areas of your life do you lack total commitment? 2. Are there things in your life that you need to surrender to God?

WORKOUT:  Matthew 19:16-23 John 15:1-8 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Dwayne Smith

Fw: Make an Impact

Team:
Here are two great messages from Leaders of two different Huddles in California and Colorado.

If you have something God has put on your heart and want to share it then forward it to me and I will pass it on to all the Huddles throughout the country.

People want to hear your Story and what God is putting on your Heart.

The first message is from Chaparral Baseball Player Derek Quinn.

The second message is from Colorado/Linfield Point Guard Joy Ponder.

Derek encourages us to lift someone up and Spread the Good News that God has a great Plan for us.

Joy shows us that God is in the Second Chance business. God is always willing to forgive our mistakes and give us a new lease on Life.

"When you make a mistake, admit it; learn from it and don't repeat it."

Bear Bryant Alabama Football

"A man may make mistakes, but he isn't a failure until he starts blaming someone else."

John Wooden Head Coach UCLA Basketball

Now - Just Go! Win the Day

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

------ SMS Text ------
By Chaparral Baseball Player Derek Quinn:

It is not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow.

The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded.
1 Corinthians 3: 7-8

Spread the Word!

Change someone's life and plant the seed of Jesus Christ in their heart!

Make an impact on someone today and let the light of the Lord shine through you!

God Bless!
Derek Quinn

By Colorado/Linfield Point Guard Joy Ponder:

John 23:39-43

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed him saying " if you are Christ save yourself and us."

But the other answering rebuked him saying,

"Do you not even fear God seeing you are under the same condemnation
and we indeed justly for we receive the due rewards of our deeds but this man has done nothing wrong?"

Then he said to Jesus, "Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom."

And Jesus said to him, "assuredly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."

What love God has for us and what mercy!

This man lead a life worthy of crucifixion. This is the most degrading way to die in human history.

He was mocking Jesus before he realized the folly of his ways.

He then realized and repented on his "death bed" and Jesus full of compassion welcomes him with open arms and fully cleanses him into his kingdom!

Do we ever have doubts that God loves us or wants the ultimate best for us?

It is so clear how much He loves us!!!!

Joy Ponder

Fw: Shamgar Defensive Player of the Year

Team:

Today's Coach is Mike MacIntosh. Here we learn about a Middle Linebacker named Shamgar.

Shamgar was great at Shedding Blockers and making Great Tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Shamgar has the Record for most Tackles at 600.

Shamgar means Sword. Ehud the Quarterback was before Shamgar. Ehud was left handed and used a Sword. The Sword is the Word of God in his life. Ehud used a Sword now Shamgar becomes the Sword.

When we become the Word nothing can stop us. We are like Steelers Safety Troy Palomolo making Big Plays.

QB Paul the Apostle said we are the "living word." We are the Playbook. When people see our lives they should see our Playbook the Word of God.


"You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;"
2 Corinthians 3:2

We need to go from using the Word in our Lives to Becoming the Word.

Become the Playbook - Know the Plays - Execute the Plays - Win the Game!!!!!

"Tomorrow is the day for losers, Today is the day for Winners! Don't put off what you can do today, Work Hard, Get after it, Give it to the Lord, Win the Day!"

Zach Ponder
Point Loma University Golf Team

Now - Just Go! Win the Day!

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com

------ Email ------
After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel.
Judges 3:31

Do you ever feel like you're fighting a battle, outnumbered and outsized by a host of armed opponents, with no better weapon than a shovel?

I'm sure Shamgar must have felt that way. Maybe you've never heard of him; after all, he's only mentioned in this single verse of the Bible.

But the Lord would use this man in a powerful, if unexpected, way.

Probably a farmer, Shamgar's name is literally translated "sword." But in battle against the Philistines, this farmer did not use a sword--or any military weapon--to fight.

Instead, he used an average farming tool called an ox goad. Much like a cattle prod, it was about eight feet long and had a sharp metal point on one end, with a shovel on the other. It allowed a farmer to either clean things off, dig a hole, or poke an ox to get him moving along the road.

And with this measly little tool, Shamgar single-handedly killed 600 enemy warriors. He didn't have swords, spears, knives, or hand grenades; he only had a single ox goad.

But this guy was a farm boy who knew how to work with the tools he had--and that's all God wanted from him.

E.M. Bounds once said, "The world is looking for better methods, but God is looking for better men."

Shamgar overcame the enemy, even though his methods and his resources were limited. Don't get hung up on always looking for the best methods, or resources, or people, to get further in life.
It's not about any of that--it's about being obedient and faithful to God with whatever He has given you.

When the Lord commands you to stand up and fight for Him, and you're standing there with nothing but an ox goad, say, "Okay Lord, this is all I've got; I'll do whatever you want me to do with it." Just take what God has given you and let Him take you in His hand with power.

Give whatever tools you have to the Lord and do like this man, Shamgar; stand your ground courageously and trust God to use what's in your hand to accomplish great things for His glory.

"What is a feeble instrument in the hands of one man is a mighty instrument in the hands of another; simply because the spirit of that other brooms with holy determination to accomplish the work that has to be done." - Joseph Parker



Read Through the Bible in 1 Year
Today:
Exodus 13:1-14:31
Matthew 21:1-22
Psalm 18:13-19
Proverbs 6:6-11

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Fw: Use your Gifts and Talents

Team:

Today's coach is Mike MacIntosh. He tells us how a Left Handed Quarterback named Ehud came into the game and used his Special Gift to Win the Game. Judges 3:15-

Eglon was the enemy. He was the King of Moab. His name means to go Round and Round in Circles.

Gera was Ehud's dad. His name means Meditation.

Ehud means "I will give Thanks/Praise"

His weapon - a Football - A double edged Sword:

Heb 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit."

When we combine all this:

Eglon, the enemy, causes us to go Round and Round in Circles totally Confused.

To beat the enemy we must:

Meditate on God's Word (Gera),
Praise Him (Ehud) and
Attack with God's Word.

Isaiah 26:3 – "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee – because he trusteth in Thee."

What is your Gift? (Ehud's was his Left hand)

The Coach wants to put you in the Game to use your Special Gift.

Now - Just Go! Win the Day!

Rick
Phil 4:13
http://huddle360.blogspot.com
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But when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. By him the children of Israel sent tribute to Eglon king of Moab.
Judges 3:15

Notice that prayer was at the forefront of Israel's mind when they knew they got themselves into trouble. And that's all it takes for you to get back on track with the Lord; go to Him in prayer. Cry out to Him. Look at what David said in the Psalms when he was in turmoil and stress.

"In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears" (Psalm 18:6).

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry" (Psalm 34:15).

"From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psalm 61:2).

The people of Israel realized that they were not living the way God wanted them to, so they simply cried out to Him. And God was there; He listened to them and responded by sending another judge their way to deliver them from the enemy.

His name was Ehud. All we know is that he's a left-handed man. His name means "I will give thanks." We don't get the impression here that he's an awesome, trained warrior or a winsome, presidential-like politician. All we see here is a left-handed man giving thanks to God.

Ehud used his one gift, being left-handed, for God in destroying the enemy and bringing eighty more years of peace to God's people.

I think something that should be encouraging for you today is that God has gifted you in some way!

Now use your gifts, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to please Him and bring about some peace to your family, your home, and your neighborhood.



Read Through the Bible in 1 Year
Today:
Exodus 11:1-Exodus 12:51
Matthew 20:17-34
Psalm 18:1-12
Proverbs 6:1-5

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