Monday, September 13, 2010

THE LONG DROUGHT IS OVER

Ahhhhh…I can breathe again.

I made it through the long, hot summer…

I made it to September…

...AND FOOTBALL SEASON!!

Yes, you read that right – I am a football fanatic!!

High school football, college football, professional football – it’s all good (although I must admit, I didn’t succumb to arena football – I have my standards, after all!)

My favorite NFL team?

Don’t really have one – though I am kinda partial to the “Old Man”
Brett Favre.

My favorite college team?

UCLA Bruins, hands down…(I know - it's going to be a LONG season)

I love sports in general – but there’s just something about football that gets my blood going.

Do I understand the game, you ask?

Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I do – I’m no John Madden, but I can appreciate a well-executed screen pass with the best of them.

Part of what I love about football is the intensity.

Getting suited up, the coach’s pep talk, running out onto the field – everyone’s got their “game face” on.

And the crowd goes wild…

They have come here to witness two teams play their hearts out – and they “cheer” or “boo” every move.

It’s the same way with Christians…

We are being observed, too. Every move we make. The good plays and the bad plays. The 80-yard touchdown pass – the interceptions and the fumbles.

The crowds are watching…

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” (Hebrews 12:1)

How do we do that?

By keeping our eye on the “quarterback.”

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

More and more, the world is looking at Christians – seeing how we behave, listening to what we do or do not say, assessing what decisions we make, critiquing how we live our lives…

We are being evaluated.

How are we going to “play the game”?

My friends, we’re suited up (“Put on all of God’s armor…” – Ephesians 6:11) – we’ve listened to the coach’s pep talk (“Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13) – and we know the playbook (“I have hidden your word in my heart…” – Psalm 119:11).

It’s time to run onto the field…it’s time to play our hearts out.

Do you have your “game face” on?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

4 comments:

  1. Hi Sharon,

    I love the football analogy, probably because like you, I love the game. Wanda (The Watered Soul) also wrote about putting on the armor of God.

    Success in football requires commitment, focus and practice. The Christian must also have commitment, focus and practice. Unlike the game of football, this is a life and death battle we believers find ourselves engaged in. For the believer there is no tie or overtime.

    Thanks for sharing this post to kick off the new season.

    Blessings and peace.

    MTJ

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  2. Oh I LOVE this! Can I share it with the man who does the "fifth quarter" devotional for the youth group at our church after football games? It would be so perfect for that!

    You're right that we are surrounded by spectators. That can make me feel verrrry convicted, especially when I fumble the ball.

    Another great one, Sharon!

    And you made me laugh right out loud with your comments on the bobblehead post!!! I would have been there lifting the hands with you! I love how you told your sons that they needed to go ahead and leave because your hands were going up. Chuckling again...

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  3. too cute with you being an avid football fan! I enjoy watching and do understand the game, but I get real excited when it comes closer to play off times (though always hope this year will the year for the Chargers :)

    I am very aware that we are watched as Christians, I consider myself an ambassador for Jesus in how I live, representing him to a foreign land, I fail at times, but I try really hard to represent him well :)

    betty

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  4. MTJ - I read Wanda's post. It was great - thanks for sharing that with me. We ARE in a life and death battle. I loved how you said there is no tie or overtime...AMEN! I pray that God will give me the strength to play well. It will take (as you said) commitment, focus, and practice. But, I've got my "game face" on -

    Debbie - Yes, it's not easy remembering how many times I've fumbled the ball. But, for some reason, the "Coach" has kept me in the game - so I'll keep playing my heart out!!
    p.s. In case you didn't get my 2nd comment on your blog today - Yes, I'd be HONORED if you shared this post with your friend. Thanks! Also, I left another church "story" on your blog. Thought you might get a kick out of it!

    Betty - Sorry about the Chargers' loss tonight!!! I like the Chargers a lot (especially since the L.A. area up here can't get a professional team) - except they just aren't the same for me without LaDainian Tomlinson. I believe that you are a wonderful ambassador for Jesus - a faithful witness of His message of GOOD NEWS. Keep up the good work!

    GOD BLESS!!

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)