Coaches work hard with players to develop in them the skills needed to protect the ball at all costs. Most NFL teams conduct a regular drill in which the runner scampers past a group of heavy-handed linemen who attempt to knock the ball away. Fumbles, failures, goofs — whatever you call them — do strange things to a team's confidence. They can be momentum breakers and can produce lost games — both in sports and in life. On the flip side, however, when too much attention is placed upon these occasional failures, it can cost a good player his confidence and his composure. What do Michael Vick, Robert Griffin III, Cam Newton, Matt Cassel, Mark Sanchez, and Phillip Rivers have in common? Yes, they are all NFL quarterbacks, and after only 5 games into the 2012 season they all had 5 or more fumbles. Michael Vick had 8 fumbles in this period of time. It is curious that quarterbacks, whom we think of as having gifted hands, lost the ball more than running backs. How often have you dropped the ball? Maybe you missed a critical appointment at work. Or perhaps you forgot your child's or even your spouse's birthday. If we place too much attention on our missed opportunities, we can become ineffective and depressed. Despite our shortcomings, God can use each of us to build His kingdom. |
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Step out of your limitations and into the illimitable nature of who God is. |
Step out of your limitations and into the illimitable nature of who God is. |
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I think too many people feel unworthy because they place too much focus upon their failures instead of on the graciousness of a loving God. Too often we glorify Bible characters and believe that our ability to serve God is less than those "saintly" prophets and apostles of yesterday. It is encouraging to remember that our heavenly Father has equipped each one of us with special talents. He wants us to utilize these gifts rather than be overly critical of our failures. Think about how God used biblical characters despite their imperfections: Moses stuttered. David's armor didn't fit. John Mark was rejected by Paul. Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Amos's only training was in the school of fig tree pruning. Solomon was too rich. Abraham was too old. Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse? So did Peter, Paul —well, lots of folks did. Aren't we glad God doesn't keep an account of our fumbles? He is quick to forgive and forget; despite a bad year He still has us in His lineup next season. He doesn't require a job interview. He doesn't hire and fire like human bosses, because He's more than just a boss. He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry or blind to our need. He knows how we are formed. He remembers we are dust. — Psalm 103:14 If we are totally in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more than for our next breath, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, or what we look like. Step out of your limitations and into the illimitable nature of who God is. It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. — Ephesians 4:11-13 |
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Do you believe that God is able to use you in spite of your failures and shortcomings? Are you willing to let Him use you through your failures and shortcomings? |
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Does it encourage you to read the Scriptural examples of heroes of the faith that had past failures? Spend a few moments thinking about what shortcomings and times that you blew it entirely are holding you back from allowing yourself to be used by God. Share with your Game Plan answer to this question: Are you willing to let Him use you? We would love to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily |
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When everything is on the line, great men turn to strength and faith—in football and in life |
Guts, Grace, and Glory: A Football Devotional |
+ FREE shipping on all orders $35 and more | In Guts, Grace, and Glory Dr. Jim Grassi shows how to incorporate faith and endurance on a daily basis—not just to win at football, but to win at life. Anecdotes from the greatest players in the game—Johnny Unitas, Tim Tebow, Paul Bear Bryant, RGIII, Bryan "Bart" Starr, Matt Hasselbeck, and more—and their coaches demonstrate how glory, on and off the field, hinges on a solid relationship with God and the guts with which one plays out life's challenges. The book touches on several life-affirming topics including setting your heart and mind on the eternal, living your life as a model of Christ, and building a legacy that lasts. |
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"Great devotional with relevant testimonials!" — Sugar T. |
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The most extensive book to explore the Christian faith shared by many of the team's players, Birds of Pray details the incredible inside story behind the Eagles' capture of the biggest prize in professional sports: the Vince Lombardi Trophy. |
| Tim Tebow shares the behind-the-scenes details of his life, both on and off the football field. He writes about his life as he chooses to live it, revealing how his Christian faith, his family values, and his relentless will to succeed have molded him into the person and the athlete he is today. |
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As a Christian, Chad Gibbs knows he cannot serve two masters, but at times his faith is overwhelmed by his football fanaticism. In his book, Gibbs travels to twelve schools to spend time with rabid Christian fans of various ages and denominations and learns how others are able to balance their passion for their team with their devotion to God. |
| Sit down with Kirk Cousins, record-setting Michigan State University quarterback and 2012 draft pick of the NFL's Washington Commanders. Cousins gives readers an inside look at his life—as experienced under the bright lights of college and professional football—and how he puts his faith and values into action, both on and off the field. |
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The Making of a Man Study Guide with DVD |
In this six-session video-based curriculum, NFL All-Pro, sports analyst, and businessman Tim Brown uses experiences from his life to teach men the principles and priorities he has learned for leading a life that honors God. |
| In a behind-the-scenes, off-the-field glimpse into one of America's most beloved sports, Men of Sunday reveals how Sunday's greatest rely on God to face issues such as drug abuse, family crisis, injuries, and temptations resulting from fame and fortune. |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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We're cleaning up our warehouse, and found some goodies hiding! Save big on limited-quantity items before they're gone! Find amazing deals up to 65% off on Bibles, Devotionals, Kid's books, and more through now through 2/12! |
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