How we live will effect others for up to 5 generations - for better or for worse!

Becoming a successful competitor requires intense dedication and sacrifice. We sacrifice our hobbies, our social life, our time, and sometimes even our bodies in order to reach our goals. As legendary NBA Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar once said, “I think that the good and the great are only separated by the willingness to sacrifice.”

 ¹ Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. ² Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. –Romans 12:1-2

If the world’s elite athletes can be pegged with one common trait, it would likely be that each of them is driven by a heightened sense of purpose. It is purpose that establishes a secure target at which they can aim and focus all of their energy: The golfer takes aim at the hole. The sprinter takes aim at the finish line. The free throw shooter takes aim at the basket. The archer takes aim at the bulls-eye. The pitcher takes aim at the strike zone. These competitors must employ a steady hand that comes from confidence in their abilities and a keen understanding of their identity. Any variation of that confidence— leading to arrogance on one extreme or insecurity on the other extreme—can quickly blur their vision and greatly hinder their aim.

From the little leagues to the professional ranks, success in sports is almost exclusively defined by wins and losses. Perhaps legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi summed it up best when he said, “Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.” In some respects, you could make a strong case for that belief. Winning often opens the doors to life-changing opportunity. On the other hand, the all-or-nothing attitude that is prevalent in today’s sports community has the potential to bring undeserved disappointment to those on the outside looking in.

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.–Romans 12:21

Ready

If American Idol will go to Belgium for a Boot, what will you do for Jesus?

Got it!

The focus of this day is to understand that those who GOT IT have a heart that is impacted by Jesus, which in turn impact every area of their life.

Warmup

Your athletic career is over; you are at your Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The emcee for the evening is going to introduce you and all of your life’s achievements. Provide for them what you would want them to say in your introduction – both things that you have accomplished and things you would like to accomplish. Don’t limit to just athletic achievements. What would you want them to say about your character? Your lifestyle?

With a partner share the key accomplishments that the emcee will highlight.

One Mission

Meeting Focus

To get to know your Huddle members and break the ice for discussion.

More Getting to Know You (10 Minutes)
Choose another Conversation Starter from page 20.

The Roster (5 Minutes)
If all Huddle members have not filled out the roster, make sure that it is completed at this meeting. (Make sure that this is returned to the Huddle Leader Coordinator after the Huddle meeting. This will allow them to check who is missing and if there is anyone who has checked in but is not with his/her Huddle.)

Reflect on the Day and the Evening Program (10 Minutes)

• Josh was amazed by how many people come up and encourage him about what he has gone through. Why do you think this is surprising to him?
• For as many positive comments he also received as many negative ones, too. Why would people bash Hamilton for how God has transformed his life?
• Josh only gives credit to God for his life-changing transformation. Is there an area in your life that needs to be transformed? If so, what area?
• Read Romans 12:1-2. What does it mean to present your body as a living sacrifice?
• How can you not be conformed to this world today?

Key Verse:

"Then He said to [them] all, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it. What is a man benefited if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits himself?" Luke 9:23-25

 

• What is your initial response to sin in your life? Does your heart become hard or do you drop to your knees in prayer?
• Why do so many people run from God?
• When is a time you ran from God? 
• Read James 4:7-9. List all the commands in the following verses? What will happen when we obey these commands?
• Brian talked about the daily battle it is to live a life over sin. Where do you battle the most each day? What is your current struggle?
• What does it mean to “submit to God”? Where do you need to draw near to God in your life?
• Pray and draw near to Him right now. Get in a position where you are at that you can totally focus on just you and God.

San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson talks about being a role model and how Christians should live their lives.