Good Morning! I read this devotional in Our Daily Bread this past week, and it has really challenged me to walk in MERCY towards others. So this morning I’d like to share this with you on our devotional sight. I’m going to include the passage of Scripture that was used along with several quotes. May the LORD add MERCY to each of our lives to share with others.

Matthew 5:1-12 Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

People who study sharks tell us that they are most likely to attack when they sense blood in the water. The blood acts as a trigger to their feeding mechanism and they attack, often in a group, creating a deadly feeding frenzy. Blood in the water marks the vulnerability of the target.

Sadly, this is sometimes how people in the church respond to those who are hurting. Instead of being a community where people are loved, cared for, and nurtured, it can become a dangerous environment where predators are looking for the “blood in the water” of someone’s failings or faults. And then the feeding frenzy is on.

Instead of kicking people when they are down, we should be offering the encouragement of Christ by helping to restore the fallen. Of course, we’re not to condone sinful behavior, but our Lord calls us to display mercy. He said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7). Mercy has been described as not getting what we deserve, and we all deserve eternal judgment. The same God who shows us mercy in Christ calls us to show mercy to one another.

So when we see “blood in the water,” let’s seek to show mercy. The day may come when we will want someone to show mercy to us!

Lord, help us to be merciful
To those who fall in sin,
Remembering You rescued us
And cleansed us from within. —Sper

WE CAN STOP SHOWING MERCY TO OTHERS WHEN CHRIST STOPS SHOWING MERCY TO US!

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert harshly criticized LSU coach Les Miles in the post game news conference following his team’s loss to Alabama in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Hebert, a host on a local radio station in New Orleans, opened Miles’ news conference with a question about not using backup quarterback Jarrett Lee as starter Jordan Jefferson struggled to move the offense. Before Miles answered, Hebert continued, “Now, I know Alabama’s defense is dominant, but come on, that’s ridiculous. Five first downs! I’ll tell you the fans’ standpoint: How can you not maybe push the ball down the field and bring in Jarrett Lee? So what if you get a pick-six?” Miles still did not get a chance to answer, so he just kept staring at Hebert, who also happens to be the father of LSU senior center/guard T-Bob Hebert, a former starter for the Tigers who played sparingly in recent games. “I know the pass rush of Alabama. But not pushing the ball down field, considering you have (wide receivers) Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham Jr. — there’s no reason why five first downs. You have a great defense, but that’s ridiculous.”

Sugar Bowl spokesman John Sudsbury later apologized to LSU associate athletics director Michael Bonnette for Hebert’s behavior. “It was very disrespectful. I told Michael I was real sorry it happened,” Sudsbury said. “We don’t want to credential people who go into a press conference and act like a fan. Multiple people told me it was not professional. It was disappointing. We don’t want the coaches who come to these games to be treated like that.” Bonnette said. ”The part of Bobby that is a fan and a parent came out more than the part of him that is a reporter. Using the word ‘ridiculous,’ I thought was not professional. He was emotional and really mad.”

While criticism is to be expected by public figures like coaches, it’s not always seen or heard by a national audience.
Former legendary football coach Tom Osborne wrote about being criticized during his first season as head coach at Nebraska in his book, “More Than Winning.” He was criticized in his first season for:
• being too conservative in our 10-9 win over Kansas.
• being too aggressive in going for two points in out 13-12 loss to Missouri
• gambling too much in going for the touchdown rather than the field goal in the 17-17 tie against Oklahoma State
• being too nice.

That first year his team went 9-2-1 which was exactly the same record as the previous year under Bob Devaney. Fans didn’t care that many of the great players from that team had graduated. Even after his team beat Texas in the Cotton Bowl, many fans were still critical of the first year coach. Right after the Cotton Bowl victory, Texas head coach Darryl Royal, came to the Nebraska locker room to congratulate Osborne’s team. As he walked out of the locker room, he said to Osborne, “What a coach needs to do after losing a bowl game is just slide away for a few days and let things simmer.” That’s advice Osborne took several times during his career.

There are at least three reasons a coach can expect criticism.
• A coach can expect criticism because of his own sin, which will be present in his or her heart no matter how mature or well meaning he or she is.
• A coach can expect criticism because people (fans, players and media) can be proud and ungrateful.
• A coach can expect criticism because we live in a sinful and fallen world.
Since coaches should expect criticism, what can they do besides taking Darryl Royal’s advice to “slide away for a few days”?

First, recognize that criticism is part of God’s sanctification process. In other words, this is the tool or process that God uses to help coaches grow in their faith. Warring against our sinful habits and seeking to be Christlike in character is usually referred to as sanctification.
When I’m coaching basketball, I wish it was true that my spiritual maturity happened from encouragement rather than painful criticism. However, what is true for me is often true for other coaches as well. I have most often grown in faith and humility through criticism and correction. When God shows me the pride and sin in my life that’s when I have seen spiritual growth most often in my life.
If you’re a coach, you will be criticized and corrected. Count on it! However, prepare yourself to see it as God’s means for your sanctification. How you respond to criticism (both from fans and friends) is important. Once you can begin to see it as a mercy from God to help you grown in your faith, you will be able to see past the negative criticism and grow in your faith.

Discussion:
1. What stood out to you in the article?
2. Have you ever been publically criticized? What was your response? Would you respond differently now?
3. Former UCLA coach John Wooden said, “You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.” Do you agree or disagree. Explain.
4. Have you experienced growth in your Christian life most often from criticism or encouragement?
5. Read 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” What does this verse teach about seeking to grow in Christlikeness until we die?
6. Progressive sanctification involves our practice of spiritual disciplines, such as reading Scripture, praying and fellowshipping with other believers. It also includes putting to death the sinful deeds of the body (see Romans 8:13). It also involves dependence on Christ for the power to do these things. With the tension between depending upon Christ and working hard to become Christlike, what will keep us going?

The last three phases of walking in a personal REVIVAL are available in today’s devotional. E.M. Bounds said that “The men and women who have most fully illustrated Christ in their character and have most powerfully affected the world for HIM, have been those who have spent so much time with HIM as to make it a notable feature of their lives.” That really puts into perspective the power of walking in REVIVAL.

When Christ is own display in our lives there is a DELIBERATE NARROWING OF PERSONAL INTERESTS. By that Dr. Tozer was referring to being so focused on the purpose, passion and plan of the FATHER that the things of this world simply do not receive the attention that they would normally hold in ones life.

The next step in walking in a personal REVIVAL involves WITNESSING to others about the change that has taken place in your life. Here are some pivotal turning points about witnessing for JESUS CHRIST:

· Find something to do for GOD and your fellow man
· Make yourself available to your pastor and do anything you are asked to do
· Do not insist upon a place of leadership
· Take the low place until such time as GOD sees fit to set you in a higher one

These principles need to be revisited in our present society and specifically in the body of CHRIST. Being available, not insisting on being in the spotlight and being willing to serve others are several examples of walking in a personal REVIVAL. These key statements will be actualized in the life of any believer that is hungry for personal REVIVAL in their life.

The last phase of experiencing PERSONAL REVIVAL will involve HAVING FAITH IN GOD. This is more than just acknowledging that there is a GOD, but rather having the FAITH OF GOD to believe HIM for that which seems to be impossible. Dr. Tozer emphasizes this by saying that it is important to “Look up toward the throne where your Advocate is at GOD’S right hand. All heaven is on your side GOD will not disappoint you.” So it is time to look up and draw upon the FAITH of our personal Advocate, JESUS CHRIST.

Matthew 7:14 “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
2 Corinthians 4:13 – Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken. We too believe, and therefore we speak.

QUOTE: “Are you living for the things you are praying for?” – Austin Phelps
QUOTE: “He can do all things who prays well. All soul-winners have conquered on their knees. Wherever the secret of prevailing prayer is found, something supernatural will come to pass.” – G. F. Oliver
QUOTE: “God has called us to co-operate with Him in making the Gospel known to our generation.” – J. Stuart Holden

There are 2 more days on the subject of REVIVAL for this week that I would like to cover with you as a reader. During this week I have chosen to highlight from the ministry of Dr. A.W. Tozer specific steps that any believer can take to ensure a personal REVIVAL within their life. Today there are three more road signs that Dr. Tozer mentions on the subject of REVIVAL that I want to share with you, and then support with Scriptures.

When a Holy Spirit inspired REVIVAL is underway within an individual’s life there will be the desire to MAKE RESTITUTION WHEREVER POSSIBLE. Dr. Tozer puts it this way, “As fully as possible make the crooked things straight. Here are several passages of Scripture to suppport this principle:

Romans 13: 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Matt 5: 23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; FIRST be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

The next step that can be taken on the road to enjoying a personal REVIVAL is to BRING YOUR LIFE INTO ACCORD WITH THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. Under this principle Dr. Tozer gives this wonderful insight, “An honest man or woman with an open Bible and a pad and a pencil is sure to find out what is wrong with them very quickly.” What an incredible way to clean up and organize your life. Simply taking God’s Word to heart, and applying Biblical principles into one’s lifestyle.

Here are several verses from the Sermon on the Mount that is located in the Gospel of Matthew:

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:8-9 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:18 You are the salt of the earth.
Matthew 5:19 You are the light of the world.

The last spiritual marker that I want to mention for increasing your personal REVIVAL is this, LEARN TO BE MORE SERIOUS-MINDED. I do not mean that there is no room for fun and fellowship, but rather a mind set that is set to follow JESUS regardless what the cost may be. Dr. Tozer puts it this way, “Your interior climate is not favorable to the growth of spiritual graces. There must be a permanent improvement in your interior life.” Whre life is truly lived is from the inside out. Here are several verses on this principle from God’s Word.

I Cor. 2:16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

QUOTE: Begin to think on the Word or begin to sing a praise song to God. Make a conscious effort to fill your mind with good, pure, wholesome, and lovely thoughts.
QUOTE: “Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.”

In the devotional for today I want to focus on the next way that any individual can have a PERSONAL REVIVAL in their walk with the LORD. Dr. Tozer mentions that it is critically important to do a thorough job of repenting and true repentance always leads to a change in the way an individual lives. Repentance of the heart will effect the way that an individual thinks.

True REVIVAL always carries with it the theme of repentance. Repentance simply means the changing of the way one is living and the direction in which one is going. So often believers can get into a religious rut within their thinking and fail to embrace anything new that GOD is doing. True repentance is more than just asking GOD to forgive you for sins, it also involves changing your mind on how GOD is working today. Here are several verses on the need for repentance in our lives today.

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Matt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
“Repent, then, and turn to God,”

2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test?

1 Cor 6:20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

In gleening several key principles from these verses, I would like to highlight the following:
· Presenting ourselves to HIM also means a renewing of the way we think and live
· The Kingdom will open up to us when we change through repentance
· Sins are blotted out through repentance
· Repentance means that individuals are willing to examine their lives
· Repentance always brings glory and honor to the ONE who has purchased us

Today is the day that the LORD has made, and to honor HIM is to turn our hearts toward HIM in total repentance. When this takes place transformation of the life is underway.

QUOTE: “I am convinced that nothing less than a mighty Holy Ghost revival will awaken us to a sense of our great privilege and responsibility with regard to the missionary challenge and world evangelization.” – Clifford Filer
QUOTE: “If your heart takes more pleasure in reading novels, or watching TV, or going to the movies, or talking to friends, rather than just sitting alone with God and embracing Him, sharing His cares and His burdens, weeping and rejoicing with Him, then how are you going to handle forever and ever in His presence…? You’d be bored to tears in heaven, if you’re not ecstatic about God now!” -Keith Green

REVIVAL can happen in anyone’s life when there is a desire to follow the guidelines of GOD’S WORD. There are two more objectives that I would like to share with you from the writings of Dr. A.W. Tozer on walking in REVIVAL as an individual.

To experience a PERSONAL REVIVAL in your life there must be a desire to set your face like a flint toward a sweeping transformation of your life. Dr. Tozer puts it this way “Timid experiments are tagged for failure before they start. We must throw our whole soul into our desire for God.” To walk in a PERSONAL REVIVAL is no small thing, and the majority of individuals would prefer a moderate experience with their HEAVENLY FATHER.

The Bible gives us several passages that will verify the need to put our whole soul and life into the pursuit of REVIVAL. In Psalm 27 and verse 8 the psalmist declares “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” Another passage declares, “Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.” Being willing to seek the LORD always conveys the emptying of the self-life for any individual who is hungry for REVIVAL. Seeking the face of GOD is a good sign that REVIVAL is your personal goal.

QUOTE: And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life.

QUOTE: Never cease striving until you have seen God face to face.

Dr. Tozer recommends another phase for personal revival and that is the one who is hungry for REVIVAL must put themselves in the way of the blessing. So often in church ministry believers are encouraged not to seek the blessings of the LORD, but this is actually contrary to the WORD. Here are several passages that point us in the direction of being in the path of the blessings of the LORD.

Psalm 21:3 – “For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.”

Galatians 3:14 – “that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

Ephesians 1:13 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ”

Those who are willing to be totally dissatisfied with themselves, who are willing to set their heart and face like flint toward a sweeping transformation in themselves, and are willing to be themselves in the way of the blessing will be daily REVIVED by the HOLY SPIRIT. I like what Dr. A.B. Simpson said about the blessings of the LORD, “Seek the GIVER not the gift.” He also wrote a song with these lyrics, “Once it was the blessing is now it is the LORD.” That seems to sum it up well in regards to handling the blessings that will flow out of personal and corporate REVIVAL. Let me encourage you to go after the heart of the FATHER and receive from HIM all that HE has for you today and every day.

QUOTE: “Present-Day Wickedness, Apostasy and Modern Civilization Cannot Prevent Revival” John R Rice

QUOTE: “My Lord was pleased to die for my sins; why should I not be glad to give up my poor life out of love for Him.” -Girolamo Savanarola

Today is the second part in the mini series on walking in your own personal REVIVAL. In the first phase of this series the WORD described how any individual can walk in a season of spiritual renewal, and that is by becoming personally dissatisfied with your current walk with the LORD.

In the devotional today there are two verses that will direct our attention to developing a personal REVIVAL in our lives. The first passage of Scripture is found in Psalm 85 and verse 6. The Psalmist raises this question, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? From this short verse come several important keys to apply in the area of REVIVAL. First, REVIVAL comes from our Heavenly Father, and it is not orchestrated by our own personal ability. Another aspect of REVIVAL from this passage reveals that true joy comes from the experience of being REVIVED by GOD.

When the subject of REVIVAL comes up there should be an awareness that BIBLICAL REVIVAL means new life or the reviving of that which has become weak. So walking in a personal REVIVAL actually conveys the strengthening of those areas that have become weak in our lives. Be encouraged to take the journey of pursuing a personal REVIVAL by the goodness of your Heavenly Father.

The second passage of Scripture that highlights PERSONAL REVIVAL is found in 2 Chronicles chapter 7 and verse 14, “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

There are 4 prerequisites that must be met by any believer who is seeking REVIVAL. The LORD of both covenants states that HUMILITY is a top priority for every believer who hungers for REVIVAL. The second step is PRAYER and nothing moves the heart of GOD like prayer. A PRAYING believer is a hungry believer. The third phase calls for every believer hungry for REVIVAL to SEEK HIS face. In Matthew chapter 6 and verse 33, Jesus stated that each believer is to seek first the KINGDOM OF GOD. This is in alignment with the Old Testament passage in 2 Chronicles chapter 7.

The last prerequisite stresses that in order to enjoy PERSONAL REVIVAL there must be a turning away from that which is wicked. Even as Christians, it is easy to digress into the nominal everyday walk of life, and before long old paths, old memories and old ways begin to crop up in our lives. Be encouraged to turn away from anything that would impede your personal walk with JESUS.

QUOTE: Before God can give us a revival we must be possessed with dissatisfaction with the state of the Church and with ourselves in particular… especially ourselves.

QUOTE: Among other things, revival will only come when we begin to heed the Word of God. One of the great sins Christians have is indifference toward the Word of God, neglecting it, and not receiving it as the authority in their lives, and failing to live by the Word of God.

One of the great writers of history was Dr. A.W. Tozer. He wrote and ministered the way that he lived in a deepened walk with his Heavenly Father. If you desire to grow in your relationship to your Heavenly Father, I would encourage you to check out the many books that Dr. Tozer wrote. Your heart will be challenged and your faith strengthened as you set your heart to follow hard after GOD.

I was given a pamphlet by a friend who knew how much I enjoyed the writings of Dr. Tozer, and the short pamphlet is on the subject of REVIAL. For the next several days I would like to share with you the key points that were made in this track on REVIVAL. The title of the track is HOW TO HAVE A PERSONAL REVIVAL. Dr. Tozer opens with this incredible thought, “Any Christian who desires to may at any time experience a radical spiritual renaissance, and this altogether independent of the attitude of his fellow Christians,”

The first step that needs to be taken is to GET THOROUGHLY DISSATISFIED WITH YOURSELF. In our complacent society, it is so easy to settle into our built in comfort zones and never experience a move of GOD in our lives. Dr. Tozer stated that, “The contented soul is the stagnant soul.” That within itself should stir our hearts to pursue GOD with a greater passion.

Several passages of Scripture support the need to stir ourselves to a higher walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. In 2 Timothy chapter 1 and verse 6 Paul tells Timothy, “Therefore I remind you that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the laying on of my hands.” Another reference point is found in Psalms 51 and verse 10, there David cried out to the FATHER and said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” In Psalms 85 and verse 6 the writer cries out to God by saying, “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?”

Any heart that is hunger for GOD, and is fed up with their life going in so many directions can be REVIVED by the Spirit of GOD, and experience a fresh new beginning to their walk with HIM. My prayer is that each one of us will desire more from the LORD, and that we will not settle for the temporary pleasures of this world.

QUOTE: Study the history of revival. God has always sent revival in the darkest days. Oh, for a mighty, sweeping revival today! Adrian Rogers

QUOTE: Revival is a renewed conviction of sin and repentance, followed by an intense desire to live in obedience to God. It is giving up one’s will to God in deep humility. Charles Finney

QUOTE: Revival is not just evangelism, excitement, or emotionalism. It is the extraordinary movement of the Holy Spirit! Del Fehsenfeld Jr.

Tim Tebow has handled NFL defenses stacking the line on him and the media frenzy that has surrounded his meteoric rise to be the most popular athlete in America, but nothing seemed to prepare him or his team for Tom Brady. Patriots QB Tom Brady showed why he is the league’s best by throwing for 363 yards and six TDs as his team crushed Tebow’s Denver Broncos 45-10 in the AFC divisional playoffs.

Tebow was battered by a defense that sacked him five times and shut off his running lanes. He was limited to 13 yards on five rushes, and completed nine of 26 passes for 136 yards.

Many fans wondered how Tebow might respond in defeat. After all, Tebow-mania had many fans believing that God might be giving him supernatural help to win big football games.

It didn’t take long after the loss to New England for a reporter to ask Tebow about his perspective on losing.

“There’s been a lot of talk this year about faith and winning. As Solomon said, ‘Victory belongs to the Lord.’ What about losing? How do you make sense of what’s the end of your season?”

Tebow responded by saying, “Well, something I pray before games, during games, and after games is regardless whether I win, whether I lose, whether I’m the hero or the goat — it doesn’t matter — that I still honor the Lord and give Him the glory because He’s deserving of it. And just like my effort shouldn’t change, neither should that. So that’s how I try to approach it. Sometimes even in a loss you can honor Him more. And so, for me I just pray that my character and who I am doesn’t change. Even though you can be dejected, you can still feel hurt, you can be disappointed; but you can still honor the Lord with how you handle things.”

Nathan Busenitz blogged his analysis of Tebow’s response following the press conference, “For a professional athlete who just lost the biggest game of his pro-football career in a landslide defeat on a national stage, that was an admirable response. He didn’t cry, as though football were more important than it really is. He didn’t blame his teammates or his coaches. He didn’t make excuses. He didn’t fault God or say something silly about not having enough faith. Instead, he gave an answer that was theologically sound and inherently God-honoring. In essence, Tim was telling the media that they were missing the point: Christianity is not about winning football games; it’s about honoring the Lord in every situation, even when you lose the football game.”

Most football fans believe that winning is about defeating your opponent. Turn that around 180 degrees and losing is being defeated by your opponent. These definitions are ingrained in us from our early years of competition. I like to call this type of winning/losing philosophy, “scoreboard winning.” However, for the Christian athlete and coach there is something beyond measuring success by the score as Tim Tebow expressed during his press conference.

The Bible gives us God’s perspective on winning and losing. I believe winning is maxing out all that we are toward becoming like Jesus Christ in every situation. By contrast, losing is not maxing out our entire self toward becoming like Jesus Christ in each situation. Once we adopt God’s perspective on winning and losing, circumstances will not control our athletic performance.

Colossians 3:23 is a key bible passage for understanding this true success. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men.” The word “whatever” includes everything we do in sports. Whether it is running, throwing or jumping. The word “heartily” means we do it by maxing out all of your abilities toward the task at hand. it refers to our mental, physical and emotional energies. Paul doesn’t stop here or it would be a philosophy of “Just give it all you got and you’re a winner!” It is maxing out or giving it all we have but also doing it for the Lord rather than men. Jesus Christ must be our only audience as we perform.

That’s how a Christian athlete can honor the Lord in every situation, even when they lose a football game. Maxing out for the Lord will keep us from being sidetracked by the score or any other factor if our only thought is to represent Jesus as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we perform in this way, we can also know that the results of competition will be His to bring Him honor!

Discussion

1. What stood out to you in Tebow’s comments following the loss to New England?
2. Do you agree with Nathan Busenitz’s commentary about Tebow? Why or why not?
3. Explain how Colossians 3:23 relates to your athletic performance?
4. Read Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus given thanks through Him to God the Father.” How does the phrase “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” relate to your athletic performance?
5. Read 2 Corinthians 5:20, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were working through us …” What does it mean to be an ambassador? What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ in sports?
6. What can you be assured of when you max out for the Lord?

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