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?

• Josh talked about addictions. He came out of a life of addictions. How did he define being addicted?
• Where were the areas he listed that people are addicted today? Which of these areas are struggles for you?
• Have you overcome an addiction in your life? Through Christ, what have you had victory over?
• Read 1 Corinthians 15:10. How would you define grace?
• Without God’s grace, Hamilton would not be the man he is today. How has God’s grace covered you?
• Josh mentioned mercy as well. What is the difference between grace and mercy, spiritually?
• Do you know someone who has an addiction? Reach out to them and pray for them.

Key Verse:

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue, only a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:19-20