Hoop It Up

Good Day To You,

Our son Tyler attended a public charter high school in the Phoenix area of Arizona. He played on the school’s basketball team and his team was placed in Division 2 which had a number of Christian schools in this league. They played these teams that were well established and had a larger student body such as Northwest Christian, Scottsdale Christian, Valley Christian and Emmanuel Lutheran. These programs were strong and quite successful, but Tyler’s school was a new and start up program. They lost most of the time. Tyler was known on his team as being a Christian, and after a string of losses,the team approached Tyler before a game In the locker room and said, “Tyler, the other team is in their locker room getting ready to play, and they are praying now, getting God’s help, so would you pray, cause you know the same God, and we need to level the playing field. We keep losing to these Christian schools. We need some help too. This just isn’t fair, so pray would ya?” 

Seems like people realize that when Jesus is on your team you have an advantage. 

God’s design and desire from the outset has been to be with his people and walk with them, giving guidance, wisdom and leading them to true prosperity. He is a shepherd, a coach, a captain for his people. 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalms 23:1-3

Jesus consistently modeled the same character and attributes already revealed. Jesus taught that he was and is the good shepherd. He will guide his sheep and speak clearly to them so his people will follow his voice. And as they follow he would “coach” and lead his sheep to good pasture and to full life. 

They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10: 9,10

Stay close to the captain of the team. He will lead you beside still waters to restore your soul, and even when you walk through valleys of loss, He will stay with you and stick with you closer than anyone else. 

Q: What favorite team or game would be your choice? 

Q: Where today can you relinquish some of your stress and seek his Good shepherding over your life?