Fantasy Sports Knowledge.......how much do we really need?

I have to admit - I love sports, especially football. I love my Oklahoma State Cowboys, Oklahoma Sooners and Dallas Cowboys. It's amazing how much information I have inside my brain of past players, records and any other types of information regarding those teams. That doesn't include the days of playing junior high and high school football either. Just for kicks, I'll never forget 1985 where Oklahoma defeated Nebraska where the Huskers spouted off they were going to beat them when they came to visit. The paper the Sunday after the game said "Huskers manfully, quietly eat crow." Now that's just intense fan frenzy!

I've come to realize that so many people are really involved in fantasy sports (football, baseball, basketball, etc) and "live" to collect more information about their favorite players, teams and whatnot that it's incredible. I have heard friends tell me often how they have to get online throughout the week to check up on their players on their fantasy teams and players to be sure they're in a good 'position' going into the coming week for the best chance to score points.

My whole point being in this discussion is to bring a key fact that has been discussed in my church and with other Christ followers recently. What if we all chose to get deeper in the Bible and God's teaching to 'rattle off' the scripture or past history of Christ like we do often when it comes to our favorite players or teams? Personally, this is a 'gut check' for myself as well. Instead of taking the time to read up on player updates, biographies, team reports throughout the week and I would choose to get into God's Word more often, what would that look like for me? What would my relationships look like? What would my daily actions and choices become like? What would my Saturdays and Sundays look like where I could do something more Christ-honoring instead of sitting in front of a TV shouting for my favorite teams?

Personally, I noticed this past weekend I was yelling at the TV and becoming more frustrated that I had been in a few years - and for what really? It is only a game. My mom actually always said it but I really see it now. I allowed an inanimate object to control and bring much emotion to my state for quite some time. Passion for something is alright, yes, but to have rage like I felt inside and so forth, that's not good. Therefore, I really had another gut check of reality from God and how I can attack these opportunities as they arise in the future.

How have you thought of this concept of 'cramming our heads full of sports knowledge' and mindlessly watching ESPN until we're like zombies? Ever thought that the devil could be working in our lives to keep us from joy, contentment, peace in Christ? What if we all joined together on Christ's team and cheered on others to join the fight? What would it look like? If you are interested in knowing more, email me or comment here. The more, the merrier, because we need to come together as a body to encourage and uplift one another.

"Get in the Ring"

This morning, I got the wonderful blessing to lead the young men again for the 'bacon Bible breakfast.' We dug into "Wild at Heart" and discussed some key points which hold true for guys all around the world in the past and well into today. Think about your favorite 'guy' movie.....

The movie that we discussed was Gladiator. Specifically we talked about how Maximus was seen as the leader without even being called by name. He delegated but also worked together with his den of men and they accomplished amazing feats in the ring.

One key point was made about being in the ring. Maximus and other warriors were in the ring fighting for their lives while spectators jeered and wanted to choose the fate of the lives of the men who were left standing in the ring. Which are you in today's world? Are you jeering at those around you and making the 'easy call' with a thumb up or down? Or are you a person willing to stand with your shields locked together in a band of heroes fighting through this world? If you haven't ever thought of doing things this way, why not try it now? There might be many reasons why when we try to do it all ourselves and we miserably go through the attempt or even fail.

Many of us hear the call to fight but seldom listen and choose to follow God's will. When will it be your time to make that choice? Will it be too late when you think you should? What kind of fight today do you need to gather those around you and build up your shields to protect yourselves?

It isn't too late. Today can be that change made within you - just call on others and Jesus to support you.