Coaches devotional from FCA day 2

Fight the Good Fight

Set
When I’m recruiting players, one of the most important qualities I look for is fight. Fight is that one thing that serves as the axis for our team. If we do that, then we never have anything to be ashamed of. It’s the one thing we can control. There will be things that will come and go; shooting percentages, adhering to a defensive scout, whatever it may be. But you can control how much effort you give and how hard you fight. It gives you the chance to be the best ever if you are talented, and it gives you a chance to compete even when you aren’t as talented as your opponent.

Whether you’re facing an illness or any sort of struggle that may come your way, fight is a way of life. That is also very true when it comes to our existence as Christians. In athletics, we coach our players to fight for loose balls or to fight through adversity on the playing field. But in the spiritual realm, we coach those within our influence to fight the good fight. We help prepare them to fight through adversities on this journey to our eternal life in Heaven.

When you talk about gritting your teeth and standing your ground, maybe nowhere is it more important than in your daily Christian walk and the moment-by-moment decisions. That means doing things that aren’t always easy but what’s necessary. That requires fight. That requires perseverance. And eventually, we will finish the race and be able to say, as the Apostle Paul did, we have kept the faith. – Sherri Coale

Go
1. In athletic terms, how would define the word “fight?”
2. Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8. What is the fight that Paul describes here?
3. How can you incorporate “fight” into the spiritual challenges and decisions you face daily?

Workout
1 Corinthians 9:24-25; Colossians 3:17-24; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Overtime
Prayer: Father, thank you for giving me the strength to fight the good fight. Help me to stand against temptations and challenges that I face daily and stand up for my faith. Help me to have fight in my spiritual life. Amen.

3.8 mile jog in Pittsburg. by jdphotog at Garmin Connect - Player

3.8 mile jog in Pittsburg. by jdphotog at Garmin Connect - Player

Christmas Day Walk in Arkansas by jdphotog at Garmin Connect - Details

Christmas Day Walk in Arkansas by jdphotog at Garmin Connect - Details

Coaches Devotional from FCA Heart of a Coach

This devotional was so good, we had to share: (You can find this on YouVersion Bible App)

Correct, Don’t Criticize

Set
When I first started working towards becoming a head coach, people wondered if I could do it. I wasn’t the type to yell at people. I wasn’t the type to get in people’s faces. They didn’t know if I could control the players. How would they respond to my coaching style? How would I handle being in charge of an entire team?

My style has always been one that relies on motivation, encouragement and teaching. I always want to help people get better. That’s the idea behind correction. It’s not about tearing people down. It’s about helping them improve. You have to let them know when they’ve done something wrong, but the goal is helping them became a better player and a better person.

There are certain things that are going to be done a certain way and they’re not negotiable. The punishment is already set and everyone knows it. But then if a rule is a broken and you have to correct, it’s best to avoid sharp criticisms but instead to discipline with love. That approach gives the person the best opportunity to change their behavior.

Jesus corrected by telling stories. He showed examples. He pointed things out. He didn’t just say, “This is wrong and this is right.” He corrected people by getting them to think. When He corrected His disciples, they walked away understanding that it was for their benefit.

As a society, we desperately need to develop young people that are correctable. The youth generation is sometimes difficult to correct because of the way they’ve gotten correction. They have rebelled against correction because they see it as criticism. When the time for discipline comes, sometimes it’s easier to demonstrate authority. It’s more difficult to build relationships because it takes time and patience.

But when we follow Jesus’ model of correction and avoid the temptation to criticize, we are better able to build long-lasting relationships and we increase our influence over those within our care. – Tony Dungy

Go
1. How would you describe your style of discipline?
2. In what ways does correction differ from criticism?
3. What are some things that you can do to become less critical and more encouraging as a coach?

Workout
Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Overtime
Prayer: Father, thank you for loving me and helping me grow through correction. Help me to model Jesus’ style of correction to those that I teach and influence. Amen.

Ignite Missions Holiday Tour

Watch our little video from Christmas with the residents at Medical Lodge.
Ignite Missions Holiday Tour

Runners Devotion from FCA

Trials of Life

Steve Beckerle

READY:

“A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” - James 1:12

SET:

At 13 years old Ryan knew exactly what he wanted to do when he grew up. Just like his father, he was going to be a major league pitcher. He worked hard, day after day, to make his dream come true, but often fell short. He wondered if God could really build a dream and a passion so big in his heart and let him fail.

Fast forward several years, and it’s evident that God had bigger and better plans for Ryan Hall. A world class Olympic marathon runner and American record holder for the half marathon, Ryan has truly been blessed by God.

God asks us to “consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials.” (James 1:2) This is often the last thing we want to do when experiencing tough times. It’s important to notice that He uses the word joy and not happiness. There’s a big difference. Joy comes from a relationship with Jesus, and happiness is a short-term earthly emotion.

This challenge seems big, but the promise (James 1: 3-4) that comes afterward is simply amazing: “so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” What a promise!

I’m sure 13-year-old Ryan struggled with not knowing what God had planned for him. But in enduring to follow God’s plan, Ryan matured in his walk with the Lord and was blessed for his obedience. His running has given him amazing earthly success along with countless ministry opportunities. So consider it joy, God’s got a plan for you too.

GO:

1. What kind of trials have you faced recently?
2. What was God trying to teach you?
3. Have you seen God’s blessings after a trial?

WORKOUT:

James 1:2-4
Romans 12:12

OVERTIME:

Lord, help me see You in the mist of my trials and replace my frustration with Your joy. In Jesus name, Amen.

Holden's Hope Documentary

http://youtu.be/2IeuF_cwOKM

This link will take you to a video documentary about a 9-year boy who suffers from a rare genetic discorder called Mucopolysaccharidoses, type VI (MPS VI).