EVERY Articles

Ready, Set, Go

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 21:44:51 GMT

Article By Makena Stork (Schroder)

Staff Writer

God gives you everything you need to run the race before you.

Every athlete recognizes these three words: Ready, set, go! Whether you were a little one competing against your siblings and friends, or a college athlete pitted against your teammates in a challenge, these words set the stage for whatever race was about to begin. When your designated referee said “Ready,” it was a cue to prepare your mind and body for the competition.

Without a relationship with Jesus, it is impossible to be ready for the race of life. In Romans 3:9-18, Paul says that apart from Jesus we don’t have understanding, we use our words in ways that bring death, we hurt others, we don’t know peace and we don’t know our Creator.

When we don’t know the God who made us, why He made us and our worth in His eyes, we are left to follow broken people and search for purpose in things that were never designed to give us that worth. This might reveal itself in an uncoachable attitude, because it’s hard to receive instruction as an athlete when failure means you’ve lost value. As a coach, it could look like an out-of-control response to poor athletic performance, because your worth is so wrapped up in the success of your athletes. Whatever the circumstance, when we don’t have a relationship with Jesus, we cannot know who we are supposed to be, where we are going or how to live.

While Ephesians 2 begins by explaining what our existence is like without Jesus, verse 4 tells how our entire story changes.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. ” (Ephesians 2:4)

Because of Jesus we are no longer dead, hopeless and lost. Instead, we are alive, washed clean of our sin and in relationship with the God who created us because He loved us! And He has given us everything we need to run our race well.

He’s Given Us a Mission

In Jesus, part of our mission is to grow in relationship with Christ while inviting others to walk in relationship with Him as well.

“’Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:19-20)

He’s Given Us His Spirit

When we put faith in Christ, the personal power and presence of God comes to live inside of us through the Holy Spirit. The only way to be ready to run the race is by the power and the wisdom that the Holy Spirit gives.

“I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. ” (Ephesians 3:16-17a)

He’s Given Us His Word

The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to open our eyes and lead us toward Jesus. He brings to remembrance all that Jesus said, and we can hold to His truth in our lives.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

He’s Given Us the Church

We have a team of believers who we get to lean on and grow with while we run toward Jesus. They can help guide, encourage and correct us because they believe God’s best for our lives.

“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Living with a heart ready to grow and show looks like putting faith in Jesus. You’ll be able to learn new skills at a quicker pace because fear of failure isn’t crippling your heart and mind. You’ll learn to honor your teammates like Jesus honored others. It might look like calling a fellow Christian when you are in temptation, struggling with fear or in need of wisdom.

The more we lean into Jesus and what He offers us each day, the more ready we are for the mission God has for us ahead.

We're here to help you go deeper in your faith and have the confidence in guiding others as you seek to make disciples. Check out FCA's E3 Discipleship Training to get trained up on making disciples and how to bring others on the journey.

You Are Ready

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:34:08 GMT

It’s time to show the world the glory of God.

To Live Your Mission

God puts great value on your life. He creates all His children uniquely, fills them with talents, passion and interests, and places them on teams within cities around certain people on purpose. It’s no accident your locker is next to the teammate who needs an extra bit of encouragement, or that your coaching staff has all come together from around the country to your specific team. God longs for everyone to know Him, and He wants to use your life as an introduction to someone who has yet to experience His personal love.

“How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
the news that the God of Israel reigns!” - Isaiah 52:7

For Greater Faith

We’re always growing. God never lets us stay stagnant. His goal is to get us as close to the likeness of Jesus as possible, and the rest of our life is filled with opportunities and refining moments that will soften and strengthen our spirits, molding us into His image. Where can you go from here? Try discipling someone on your own. Or maybe read through a book in the Bible you’re not necessarily drawn to, but asking Him to reveal something through it. There is always more to explore when it comes to God and life with Him.

“Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”

- 2 Peter 3:18

To Be A Light

We are on this earth to love God and love others. The way people can see and feel God is most often through their interactions with us. It’s time to step out in faith and let your light shine bright for Him in an increasingly dark world. Take a look around you. Who needs the light of Christ? Offer to babysit for your coach so he and his wife can have a night out. Write a note of encouragement to a teammate, telling them what a great job she did in the last game and pointing out the good ways God made her. The more you get used to living out your light, the more natural it will become each day.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” - Matthew 5:14-16

God has given us great work to do in connection with Him through His Holy Spirit. Before Jesus left to return to Heaven, He gave His disciples, and us, this command:

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” –Matthew 28:18-20

He knows the hearts that need to hear about His amazing love and grace. And He has chosen us as His conduits to share this. He has given us everything we need. From the beginning, you’ve been prepared. You are created, you are chosen, you are saved, you are free, you are called, you are growing and you are strong.

You are ready.

Now go into your world and let His message transform the lives of every coach and athlete for His glory!

Question: Do you feel ready to go into the world for God? How can you bring God’s truth into any fears you may have about this?

Challenge: Find three ways to show the love of Jesus to three people this week.

We want you to grow deeper in your faith and be confident to guide others as you seek to make disciples. Check out the E3 Discipleship Training to get tangible steps for making disciples and learn how to bring others on the journey.

A Boldness That Lasts

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:40:52 GMT

Be confident that God's approval is the only approval you need.

Do you consider yourself a bold coach or athlete? Do you train with confidence and make decisions confidently? Do your words or actions make you stand out from the crowd?

Living boldly shows others that you don’t shy away from taking risks, there’s a swagger in your step and you live with confidence and courage. Being bold feels good, but what happens when living boldly doesn’t feel easy? It is easier to be bold when your coach encourages you to be. It’s easier to be bold when you know your teammates, friends or colleagues agree with you. It is easier to live boldly when standing out brings you applause, praise or popularity. But what if those things aren’t guarantees?

Living life with Christ at the center requires us to make some changes around the way we live as competitors. It may mean that what you once lived boldly for is not something you desire to be bold in any longer. When we become new in Christ, we leave the past behind, and live as the new creation God has made us. You might be known for speaking boldly about something you care about, or the bold way you carry yourself among your family and friends, for the words you speak or the choices you make—but are you known for being a coach or an athlete who boldly loves Jesus?

Life is hard and requires armor. Ephesians 6:13 tells us, “For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.”

As a competitor, it sometimes means going against what is culturally popular. When you are tempted to give in and shy away from what you know is right, or when you want to back down, blend in and go with the flow, God will be right there. You have the Holy Spirit living inside you—seek God and pray; He will make you bold even when you don’t know how to stand firm.

“On the day I called, you answered me;
you increased strength within me.” Psalm 138:3

He is the one who fights for you and increases your strength. His voice is the one that matters. Be confident that God’s approval is the only approval you need. When you stand for Christ on and off the field, in relationship with your friends and family, at school, at work and in every corner of your life, God is the One who will build you up and protect you every step of the way.

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Being bold in life is not about being cool or appearing as if you have it all together. It means walking out your faith every single day, leaning on God for all things and representing Him well in every area of life. Being bold means asking God for courage and allowing Him to use you for His mighty plans. Believe this and step out into what God is calling you to.

It is time to start living boldly for Christ!

You Are Bold

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:00:01 GMT

When we are strengthened in the Lord's Spirit, God gives us an outpouring of boldness to help fulfill our purpose.

When we are strengthened in the Lord’s Spirit, God gives us an outpouring of boldness to help fulfill our purpose. We can face the things that make us tremble, like telling a teammate about Jesus or standing up for what we believe on social media despite the backlash.

What truly matters? What others think of us, or what God thinks?

He is always for us and knows what makes us nervous. But, He’s promised never to leave us alone. God equips us to face our fears with His strength and comforting presence. There is nothing the Lord brings us to that He will not be with us in. He is our refuge and strong tower, our firm foundation and an ever-present help in times of trouble. We can take these truths into our seemingly impossible situations and breathe boldness into them.

With God, we can be bold.

“Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness.” -2 Corinthians 3:12

In Faith

When we know that we know that we know, nothing can come between our faith and our Creator. Once we accept Jesus as our Savior, it’s only the beginning of a vibrant, ever-growing relationship that shapes us into His image. The more we get into His Word and let it nourish our mind and spirit, the more we can fall back on the verses we need in the moments we need them. As we spend time with God in prayer, listening to Him and presenting our needs, the closer we get to His heart. The more we serve the world as the hands and feet of Jesus, the more hope we offer people who desperately crave it.

“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” -Acts 4:13

In Life

It’s a rough world. Temptations abound, cultural norms stand opposite to what God says, and we are constantly distracted by the temporal things that clamor for our attention: status, influence and power. As the world spins seemingly out of control, we can stand firm, fixed on God’s unchanging truth. We can be a voice of truth and love, boldly proclaiming the better way in Christ. Our teammates, neighbors and friends need someone to stand up for what’s right, and the more we’re infused with the eternal ways of God, the more confident we can proclaim what truly matters.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” -2 Timothy 1:7

In Relationship

Jesus placed a high value on relationship. He took great care in conversing with those who society saw as outcasts, and He was drawn to those who knew their need for saving. We have the incredible opportunity to follow in His footsteps and strengthen our relationships with those God put in our sphere of influence. Strengthening our faith includes discipleship, which is walking alongside a teammate or peer and pointing them to Jesus in every area of life. We grow together; it’s God’s design. When we can sharpen one another in faith and remind each other of our identity in Christ, we encourage each other to live boldly for the Kingdom.

“I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles.” -2 Corinthians 7:4

As we walk with God, we will be shaped into the image of His Son. Our eternity is sealed; we have great confidence that God has us in His hands and we will one day be with Him forever. Until then, we can live out this truth with boldness and courage.

We are God’s beloved. We have His Spirit within us. We have boldness and strength.

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

God is with you, wherever you go. Go out for Him today, into a world that is waiting to be transformed. He will give you what you need. You are loved, you are valued, you are bold.

Question: Where have you become fearful? How can you bring God into those fears and live in boldness with Him?

Challenge: Go through The FOUR with a teammate and show them their need for Jesus today.

Before and After

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 15:30:00 GMT

Article by Brett Campbell

Staff Writer | October 15, 2022

Living out the source and purpose Christ brings.

Before and after images communicate a lot about the change that the subject went through. We may see before and after pictures showing the change of an athlete implementing a new workout routine and meal plan or change of a home renovation.

These images communicate the modifications, but they don’t always show the WHY or HOW behind the transformation. The behind the scenes is what God is after when we go through our own transformation process to become like His Son Jesus.

Think about your personal “before and after” of the transformation that Christ has brought about in your life. Maybe your “before” doesn’t look much different from your current situation. Or maybe it looks so radically different that it causes you to stress, feel anxious or guilty when you look back at your life before Christ. Either way, the Lord wants you to know that in Christ, you are free and declared righteous. In Christ, you experience a radical transformation by the Holy Spirit through God’s grace. This transformation has eternal promises and present implications. God calls His people to live a life that is set apart from the ways of the world and glorifies Him. Your life should be a living demonstration of the “before and after” transformation of when you say yes to Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

God calls His people to live set apart. He provides the strength that is necessary to stand strong in Him and live according to His will for our lives. The apostle Peter highlights two significant changes about strength when you put your faith in Jesus.

The first change is a change of source . The strength believers operate from is no longer our own source. In 1 Peter 4:11 we see Peter write, “If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”

Peter highlights that God is the provider of strength. We don’t have to attempt to live from our own strength. God is the source of the strength necessary to live according to His will and serve others effectively.

The second is a change of purpose . In 1 Peter 4:11, Peter clearly states the source of strength in which believers operate from and immediately gives the purpose of operating out of God’s strength. He writes in the second half of the verse, “…so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”

The words “so that” are so important because it sets the stage to see the why and purpose. We are to operate from God’s strength as we serve others so that God may be glorified. Operating out of God’s strength relieves us from the burden of performance and pressure of trying to be strong by our own strength. In Christ, we receive a redeemed purpose, and it is all for the glory of God.

As coaches and athletes, you can be a living demonstration of operating from God’s source of strength for the sake of bringing Him glory and advancing His Kingdom. Let’s live it out today.

We want to help you go deeper in your faith and and live out what it means to be a disciple maker. Check out the E3 Discipleship Training to learn how to take steps towards making disciples and how to bring others on the journey.

You are Strong

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 12:00:03 GMT

Every Day with Christ

In the world of sports, strength matters.

Bench pressing heavy weights, fitting in multiple workouts each day, juggling practice then class, then agility and film, then homework and a little bit of sleep. Wake and repeat. Top performance and never peaking, always striving for more, elevating our better to best. Usually, the strongest teams survive, and the strongest conditioned last in a long season.

Sports require a constant turn of the wheel, and we often pride ourselves on how much we can tackle on our own and rise to the top of our team, conference and sport. We think the more we heave onto our shoulders, the better we look to those around us. We want to give the impression we can handle the weight, but inside, we’re really crumbling.

“Give your burdens to the LORD,

and he will take care of you.

He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” -Psalm 55:22

True strength lies in surrender, in submitting to the Lordship of Jesus and laying our burdens at His feet. Through His strength and perfect capability, He will handle what we’ve been holding. Our job is to trust and obey. As He works in and through us, His Spirit strengthens us for exactly what we need, when we need it. Pushing pause on rushing to deal with things on our own leads to growing pains, but they teach us dependency and intimacy with the God who made us and wants a close relationship.

This is what God is after: Our transformation.

We become strengthened when we surrender to His shaping.

In Christ

This is the key from which everything turns. Through the completed work of Jesus’ life, death on the cross and resurrection, He has taken away our sins and brought us into the family of God. If there is nothing else to strengthen ourselves in, this is it. In Christ we have freedom, acceptance, everlasting life, fullness, love and so much more. And the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us, moving through us and transforming, shaping and empowering us to share Him with a world in need of a Savior.

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” -Romans 8:11

To Stand

The world and the enemy do everything possible to knock us down and set us spiraling off course. But we are not left on our own to find our footing. God empowers us to rely on His Word to fight back and remind ourselves of our worth, our purpose and the greater plan of His Kingdom come. The Lord is too good to leave us on our own, and the more we notice His movement in our lives, the more our confidence grows. We find firm footing when we dig our heels in the ground and stand against the lies, temptations and sorrow that want to take us down. We will stand victorious in Christ, able to resist worldly pressures with godly wisdom and power.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” -Ephesians 6:13

To Equip Others

We can’t keep all this good news to ourselves. It’s a two-way street: We receive forgiveness, the Holy Spirit and transformation, and we pour this into those we encounter. We’re meant to share what God has shown us and equip those in our sphere of influence. Through our own time in the Bible, prayer and communion with church family, God strengthens and shows us how to share what we’ve learned. This can encourage a teammate who’s looking for acceptance, a classmate who just wants someone to see them, the person bagging our groceries and whoever else God puts on our path. We can’t keep Him to ourselves; we’re meant to share. God will strengthen our hearts and minds to put our faith into practice.

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” -Philippians 4:9

The more we become like Christ, the stronger our spirits become. Humility and surrender may seem like an upside-down way of living, but they make all the difference.

Christ has paved the way; it’s time to put what we know into practice.

Be humble. Be steadfast. Be full of love.

God will give you what you need. Trust and believe. When you rely on Him, you are more than secure; you are strong.

Question: Have you considered humility as weakness? How can God’s perspective on this change your thinking to consider it a strength?

Challenge: Pick a person in the Bible to study and take note of all the ways they were strong through God.

Grow in God's Word

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 12:00:05 GMT

Article by Mindy Hopman

Staff Writer | September 15, 2022

In spiritual training, you become Christ-like.

At any given time before or after school you could find her on the field running drills or in the gym lifting weights. She knew the extra training hours in the off-season would help her grow, prepare and be ready for the upcoming season. The more she trained, the more she grew, and the stronger she became physically.

God placed a desire in her heart to become the best version of herself, and that is why after training physically, you could find her in Bible study. She knew there was so much more to life than what she could see.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” -Ephesians 2:10

The moment God calls you to be on His team and you accept the invitation, the Holy Spirit ignites within you. You become a new creation. God gives you a new spiritual DNA. As a new creation in Christ, you put on your new team uniform (the colors of the cross) and you begin to grow in Him.

When you apply 100% to the ability God gives you, He provides opportunities for you to utilize your gifts. It’s up to you to walk into those opportunities. Doubt subsides as you trust His presence and His plan. In that space of trust comes peace from His presence, because your confidence moves from yourself to Christ.

“...and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able to perform.” -Romans 4:21 (NASB)

The more time you spend in the Word (spiritual training), the stronger the power of the Holy Spirit becomes within you. You feel the power that comes from God, and with that power, you can do all things. Whereas physical strength wanes with time, strength in the Spirit is eternal.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” -Philippians 4:13

The more you grow in the Word, the more you stand in awe of His awesome works. It is in His Word where you discover true wisdom and discernment for every season and aspect of life.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.” -Psalm 111:10 (NASB)

Are you wondering what the next right thing will be for you to do? Go to the Word.
Are you wondering what true friendships look like? Go to the Word.

Are you wondering where confidence comes from? It is found in the Word.

God’s Word grows you. It molds you and shapes you and morphs you into someone more like Christ.

In Spiritual training, you become coachable.
In Spiritual training, you become confident.
In Spiritual training, you become Christ-like.

If you're looking to amp up your spiritual training and want to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus, check out CORE 3 from FCA's resource The CORE.

You Are Growing

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:00:08 GMT

Grow deeper, grow stronger in Christ.

You are growing:

In Humility

If our example for living is Jesus, one of our growth points is humility. The world tells us to be louder, more prominent and confident to the extreme of bragging. God’s Kingdom says otherwise. Yes, we have confidence that cannot be shaken because of our identity as God’s child, but we have a deeper confidence that calls forth a gentle and loving heart poised to serve those around us, not demand that others serve us. Humility is a heavenly trait, one Jesus took on by leaving Heaven and being born a humanly baby. His life was full of humble acts of service and upside-down teaching, and our hearts can be turned toward His example.

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

-Philippians 2:5-8

In Strength

True strength stems from submission. When we stay connected to God in daily prayer, Bible reading and inviting Him into our day, His Spirit moves in us to give us all we need in each moment. It’s not by our own efforts that we gain strength; it’s from relying on God’s power to show up and equip us for endurance to get through hard situations or find the right words in a difficult conversation. Trying to make things happen on our own can actually take away our energy. Drop the effort and fall into God’s strength; He will enable you with what you need.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” -Ephesians 6:10

In Wisdom

God gives us wisdom. All we need to do is ask. The more we lean into God’s Word to know and experience His heart and character, the deeper we grow in the spiritual world that inhabits the physical world we live in. With biblical understanding comes wisdom, which allows us to assess situations with a spiritual lens. How do we navigate difficult relationships? Go to God and ask Him how to handle it. We can season our words with grace and truth, which draws others into the greater story God is inviting them into. Keep seeking wisdom; God gives freely.

“For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” -Proverbs 2:6

Inch by inch, day by day, we make progress. We learn. We lean into God’s knowledge, patience and guidance. We rejoice in the growth, no matter how small or subtle, because we see God at work, and we recognize our hearts and minds expanding in Him.

Remember: God loves growing us into the image of His Son. He sees who we can become, and He longs to get us there.

Growth looks good on you. God’s heart is on display.

Question: Where have you been stagnant in your faith? How may God be calling you into greater growth with Him?

Challenge : Go through a book of the Bible you haven’t read in a while; invite a teammate to join you.

Ready to strengthen your core? Get 8 essentials for strengthening your faith with FCA's resource, The CORE . If you've not put your faith and belief in Jesus yet, check out CORE 1, which walks you through the Gospel in four simple truths and what it means to join God's team.

Your Greater Purpose

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 12:30:01 GMT

Article by Jordyn Bollinger Hayden

Staff Writer | August 15, 2022

Have you ever been asked, "what gets you out of bed in the morning?"

As an athlete heavy in your season, maybe it’s the next game that’s on the line. You get out of bed, prepared to train hard from dusk to dawn, knowing that you have an opponent to battle come game day. If you’re a coach, maybe it’s your job on the line. If you can’t deliver a successful season, would your job be compromised? Adversely, maybe you get out of bed for the pure love and passion of your sport or your team.

Either way, answering this question can really make you stop and think about why you do the things you do.

Whether it’s the drive out of necessity or love, we all have reasons we wake up and hit the court, field or film room. But is that it? Is our sole purpose in life to do things just for our own enjoyment or comfort?

God says differently. There’s this bigger purpose, this greater plan, that God has called each and every one of us to.

Here’s what to know about this greater purpose:

Love God and Love Others

As a child of the Most High God, you are created to live out His plan. In your sport and profession, you must love others. And you do that by first loving God and following the perfect example He set before us: Jesus Christ. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus shows and tells us how.

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

–Matthew 22:37-39

Saved to Lead

Because Jesus saved you, you must lead others to Him so that the ones you love (brothers and sisters, teammates and peers) may also experience this love.

“As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

–2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

Fulfill the Mission

With this new perspective as you follow God and lead others to this greater purpose, we are fulfilling His mission: to speak truth, show love and become united with Christ.

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

-Ephesians 4:15

When we learn and understand this greater purpose, the basis of our why changes. Before Christ, our lives were filled with selfish desires and inclinations. And that kind of purpose leads to a fruitless, dissatisfying life.

As you compete this week, ponder your greater purpose.

Let’s hold on to this truth: our lives are not our own; they’re Christ’s.

We have a higher purpose; let’s be ready to live out His plans.

Competitor, you are called. How will you answer?

You Are Called

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 14:00:22 GMT

God has called us to live out His message of grace and truth.

“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.”

-2 Timothy 1:9

Called to Love

God has given us many commandments that align with His character and heart, the greatest being to love Him with everything we have. In our thoughts, words and actions, we showcase the heart of God as we love the people around us just as God loves us. From the overflow of our ongoing relationship with Jesus, we see through a different lens the teammate we struggle getting along with, the parent who constantly questions us and the coach who can’t seem to be satisfied. We encourage and build others up so they experience a life in Christ, a life they’ve never known was available.

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

-1 John 4:7-8

Called to Lead

If we want to know how to lead with integrity, humility, compassion and strength, look to Jesus. His example attracted people from every background, way of life and struggle. His kindness shaped how they were seen, and His truth gave them freedom to live out their purpose and tell those around them about the transforming grace of God. To lead, we first listen to Jesus and then we share what we hear. Our teammates, families and classmates are all in need of Jesus, and our knowledge of Him is a beam of light for them as they navigate a confusing world.

“He cared for them with a true heart
and led them with skillful hands.”

-Psalm 78:72

Called to Last

Jesus gave us the command at the end of Matthew to go out in the world and share His Kingdom message with everyone we meet. He also said not only to share, but to disciple, to spend time together getting into His Word and teaching what it means to be His follower. Jesus loves when we become His disciples and invest our time, energy and influence into others as they grow in their own faith. We are part of God’s plan to fill the world with His purpose, and discipling a younger teammate or newer coach creates a multiplication of impact that furthers His Gospel into the world.

-Matthew 28:18-20

God’s goodness compels us to love, lead and disciple for the sake of His Kingdom. He’s put specific people around us that He has entrusted to us. Let’s accept His invitation and embrace His call to bring His salvation to everyone. You are called. Now go and tell.

Question: How has God called you to be His light to the people around you? What does this mean to you?

Challenge: Invite your team to do a short team study together on discipleship or character.

Strengthen your core! Get 8 essentials for strengthening your faith using FCA's resource, The CORE . If you're not a follower of Jesus yet, we invite you to check out CORE 1, which explains the Gospel in four simple truths and shares what it means to join God's team.

Stay Grounded

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 16:34:19 GMT

Article by Shanta Crichlow

Staff Writer | July 15, 2022

Root yourself in the firm foundation of God’s truth.

What keeps you grounded? What feeds your thoughts about yourself and life? What informs your opinions? What keeps you going?

The things that keep our attention are the things that keep us firmly anchored and rooted in our thought patterns and beliefs. They set our foundation and keep us from slipping. They get us ready for what’s ahead.

My favorite image of being rooted is a baseball player up to bat. He stands with his feet apart and slightly bends at the knee. He grips his bat with just enough tension but not too much. He’s firm but not rigid. His focus is on the direction of the target he knows is coming but can’t see just yet. I’m especially entertained by the athlete who twists his cleats back and forth into the dirt as though the little grains of sand are enough to hold him securely in place, providing all the stability he needs to hit what’s coming. He’s rooted and his foundation is firm. He’s ready for impact.

The source you are rooted in is vital. It is your foundation. It sustains you, holds you steady and secure. It nourishes your identity and gives what you need to thrive (bear fruit). You are only as strong as the foundation in which you are rooted.

Take for example the coach or athlete who is rooted to an athletic program. Even the strongest athletics programs have seasons of success and failure. It may be great under the leadership of a solid coach or a stellar combination of players, but seasons change. The athlete who is rooted in her sport suffers from the emotional rollercoaster attached to wins and losses, good and bad games, even good and bad seasons. There is nothing temporary that exists that can provide a solid foundation that enables us to stand no matter what. People retire or move on, affections in relationships can be dynamic, money comes and goes, athletic abilities wane. There are ups and downs with no guarantees.

But here’s a guarantee: The day you accepted Christ Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you gained direct access to the only source worth being rooted in: God Almighty. Jesus urges us to remain in Him; apart from Him we cannot do anything (John 15:4). Being rooted in Christ means keeping Him in your line of vision. It’s reminding yourself again and again that He is with you.

“Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I fly on the wings of the dawn and settle down on the western horizon, even there your hand will lead me; your right hand will hold on to me.”

Psalm 139:7-11

Being rooted looks like always engaging God in your life through prayer . As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray constantly.” That’s possible when you choose to talk to God about everything and every area of your life, big and small. The more you talk with the God of the universe, the more you come to know Him and can trust Him. Pray and keep praying.

Being rooted in Christ is choosing to believe in Jesus and His Word . Hebrews 3:12-14 warns us to, “Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception. For we have become participants in Christ if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start.” Believe in Jesus and keep believing in Him.

Being rooted in Jesus also means believing in what He says about who you are . You are His child, set apart, holy and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 2:9). You are worth dying for (Romans 5:8). That is true and was always true even before you set foot on the field or the court, scored your first goal or suffered your first loss. It’s true of you even now regardless of how your journey with Him has been. God gave us our athletic talents and abilities, a heart to lead and a mind to use for His glory.

There is no greater or solid foundation than God through Jesus Christ. Christ feeds our identity, giving us value and worth. And with certainty in our identity, we can love freely, be compassionate, kind, gentle and patient. Remind yourself who you are in Him. You are rooted. You are His.

Looking to strengthen your faith and relationship with Jesus? The CORE will help you engage in God's Word, get equipped in the basics of your faith, and empower you to help others grow in Jesus Christ.

You Are Rooted

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 12:30:00 GMT

Every Way Like Christ

When we know the playbook forwards and backwards, we’re confident in whatever play our coach calls. When it’s called in the huddle, we don’t even have to think; our mind goes to the route and our body automatically makes the movements. We’re certain of what we’re running as a team, and we’re certain of our own part to play.

With our newfound freedom and salvation through Jesus, we can stand confident about our role in God’s family.

But we need to strengthen our faith and understand the life God is calling us to. He wants us to know Him better, love Him with all our hearts and to love our neighbors, teammates, family and community (Matthew 22:37-40).

How do we stay rooted in the new life we have through Christ?

If we are fully invested i nto having a Christ-like attitude, we must surround ourselves with people and tools imperative to our spiritual well-being.

"So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude."

Colossians 2:6-7

Study God’s Word

The Bible is God’s Word. It is alive and active, and it is where we can hear His voice and heart. He has the ultimate wisdom, and when we ask for understanding or to know what He wants to say, we expect to hear from Him. The more we memorize Scripture, the more we can stand against the enemy’s attacks. And the more we can fight back, the more we stand victorious through the promises of God and the work Jesus has already done.

“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

Be in Prayer

Prayer is sometimes seen as a last resort when it should actually be our first action. Prayer is powerful—we get to come before the God of the universe as His son or daughter, free to tell Him anything, and He will hear us because of the righteousness of His Son. Prayer changes things, and it draws us into closer conversation with our Creator. We get to know His heart and His will, and it refines us as well. There is nothing better than getting to know God better and seeing Him answer prayer.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.”

James 5:16

Meet with People

This is a harsh world full of tragedy, temptation, disappointments and heartache. But it’s better when we’re together. God created us for community, and He knows how we can encourage one another, disciple and grow together. When we are united in Christ, we are His hands and feet, charged with lending a helping hand to someone in need, offering a place of refuge and sharing the love of Christ with a world in need of His light. The more we grow together, the greater the Kingdom impact.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

Let’s build our lives on Him who is our cornerstone. Let His strong roots entwine with yours for Kingdom service. Pour out your heart for Him, so when challenges come, you won’t only be ready, but you will have a solid foundation from which to face them.

Question: Is there anywhere in your faith where you’d like to be more firmly rooted? How can you take steps to strengthen this area?

Challenge: Invite your team to go through The CORE together for further spiritual strengthening

The CORE is an eight-week study that takes you on a journey of becoming a disciple — someone who is in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

The New You

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 14:00:04 GMT

Article by Sarah Roberts

Staff Writer | June 15, 2022

We are no longer living to prove, but living proof of a loving God.

At one point in time, we have all had that pair of shoes we just did not want to give away. Those shoes that were the one constant in the games we won and the games we didn’t. Those cleats that we have broken in so much that it feels like an old friend giving a hug each time we lace them up. Those running shoes that we slipped on to go run the deep feelings of hurt, loneliness, or fear away and each time felt a little better. It’s the old that brings us comfort and familiarity, but, in reality, they just don’t work anymore. They can’t give us the support we need; they have run their course, and it is time for something new.

When we become followers of Jesus Christ, God’s Word teaches us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “… anyone who belongs to Christ becomes a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

We are a new person .

We must understand, however, this isn’t behavior modification but a heart transformation. God changes us from the inside out. When we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, died for our sins and defeated death three days later, God awakens our soul that was dead in sin. We exchange the old life that was led by our flesh for the new life that is led by our spirit. But like our old shoes, the old life is what we know; it’s comfortable and familiar. We can find ourselves wanting to slip back into old habits that led to destructive behavior, old thoughts that led to fear and anxiety and old identities that leave us feeling lost and lonely.

When we step into this new life, we are no longer living to prove but living proof .

Some of these “old ways” that seem to plague us include, I am only as good as my performance, I have to prove myself to be somebody or Who am I if I am not playing, starting, or winning? As coaches and athletes, we can live our whole lives trying to prove ourselves to a world that is always changing its standards, finding ourselves on a performance treadmill that leaves us feeling tired, alone and never going anywhere.

But when we are living proof, we live, coach and play as though we are already loved and accepted by God no matter what the world says or does. We are proof that there is nothing we can do to make God love us any more and nothing we can do to make God love us any less.

The Apostle Paul understood this better than most. One instance, he was on his way to stand trial in Rome for preaching the Good News of Jesus when his ship wrecked on the island of Malta. It was cold and rainy, so they were building a fire to keep warm.

“As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, ‘A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.’ But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god.”

Acts 28:3-6

People defined him as both a murderer and a god—neither was true. In the sports world, you will hear people both sing your praises and shout their curses. But nobody gets to define us except for the One who created us. Our jobs don’t define us. Our record doesn’t define us. Fans don’t define us. Our platform doesn’t define us. That is the “Old.”

When we become followers of Jesus, God is the only one who gets to have a say about this. And who are we?

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God .”

John 1:12

This is the “New.”

We have to be reminded that until being a child of God is enough, nothing else will be.

Jesus makes a way for everyone to be saved. If you're looking to take the next step in going deeper in your faith or are ready to share it with someone else, check out The FOUR .

It's not too late to join the Every Challenge ! Get in the Word with the Every Devotional, grow in your understanding of who God is, and receive monthly challenges that take you deeper in your relationship with Christ.

You Are New

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:00:06 GMT

Jesus makes all things new.

We don’t know what will happen as we prepare for the start of a new season, but we have an eagerness to become the best we can and do everything possible to put our teams in the best position to succeed.

New beginnings aren’t only possible in sports. Our own lives also have new beginnings, each one reflecting the incredible work of the Lord that renews our hearts and lasts beyond our lifetimes.

When Jesus gets a hold of us, He brings newness in many areas:

A New Creation

When Jesus saves us from the snare of sin, we are cleansed from any unrighteousness and given a new standing before God as His son or daughter. We have a newfound status before Him; our old ways are gone, and we are filled with new ways of living. We’re transformed from the inside out, by God’s Spirit, as He refines us from where we’ve been and how we’ve thought and acted. We become more

like Jesus.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.

The old life is gone; a new life has begun.”

-2 Corinthians 5:17

A New Example

Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we have a prime example of what it looks like to fulfill our days living for God. Jesus loved people, cared for the marginalized, defended the meek and stood firm on the Word of God. We look to Jesus to live and love like Him. Where can we stand up for others seen as weak? Is there a team manager who needs an extra smile and dose of encouragement? Live out this example and show them the care of Christ.

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.

So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

-Galatians 2:20

A New Way of Living

God has transformed our hearts and minds so much, there is no way we can go back to the way things were. Sure, we might try hanging with the same friends, but if they’re doing things that aren’t wise or healthy, we may feel uncomfortable and notice a difference. It’s the Holy Spirit moving in us to remind us that Jesus has called us into a different way of living that glorifies God, a way of life that is good. Pay attention: If there are people you need to step away from, take courage. If there are habits you need to stop, pray for God to give you the strength needed to let go. Look to Him every step of the way as He guides you in the life of Christ.

“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised

from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”

-Romans 6:4

God has good plans for your life. He sent His Son to bring you back into His family from a fallen world. We can honor Him as we learn to navigate a new great life within us and a new life to live. Like a new sports season, let’s get excited for what’s to come on this journey with our Creator.

“For since the world began,
    no ear has heard
and no eye has seen a God like You,
  who works for those who wait for Him!”

-Isaiah 64:4

This is a wonderful adventure you never expected. He has begun something great in you and wants to work it out every day in every way.

God’s constantly moving and shaping us for what we need each day. Let Him move in you. Get comfortable with His ways; get used

to new.

Question: What is the new way of living Jesus is asking you to live out today?

Challenge: Take the challenge of memorizing one or two of the above Scriptures about what it means to have new life in Christ.

The Gospel, which means "Good News", is for everyone. Wherever you are on your faith journey, we invite you to check out The FOUR and hear the Gospel explained in four simple truths. Ready to share these truths with a friend? Invite them to go through The FOUR with you!

Have you joined the Every Challenge ? Dive into God’s Word with the Every Devotional, become grounded in your identity and receive monthly challenges and impactful content.

Live in Freedom

Sun, 15 May 2022 14:00:11 GMT

Article by Mark Jones

Staff Writer | May 15, 2022

There is hope to find a way forward.

If you are an athlete or a coach, freedom may not appear to fit in your world. As an athlete, you are under the authority of coaches and expectations. As a coach, you may be also under expectations and under the authority of those who put you there. But there is hope to find a way forward: Freedom is available.

Through God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, you will experience freedom that you never expected. When you put your whole trust into Christ, it can change everything about you. You will no longer be a slave to what the world says. You can have confidence that God has already overcome the world and you can live out of that as your status as His child.

“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.”

1 John 5:4

What does this freedom have to do with being a coach or athlete? When Jesus changes you, He wants to be a part of your whole being. That means He wants to help you see your sport differently too. There are many ways this can happen, but here are three thoughts to help you live in freedom.

You will be free to compete.

When you realize that your talent and passion for the sport was given to you by Him, you will want to please and honor Him by giving your all. That includes training, film time, time on weekends and how you interact with your teammates and family. FCA’s Competitor’s Creed says, “I compete for the pleasure of my Heavenly Father, the honor of Christ and the reputation of the Holy Spirit.” When He has given you something and you use it for Him as best you can, He is glorified by it.

You will be free to fail.

When you are in Christ, you will see that your value is not, nor should be, found in your sport. It is in Christ! God made you, Jesus redeemed you and the Spirit abides within you. You are His, so when you compete for Him, you can go as hard as you are able.

If you do make a mistake or fail in some way, you know that you are still loved and highly valued.

You will be free to love others.

Remember, your intentions, motivations, thoughts and actions will change. As a coach, you will not only see coaching as drilling the skill into people, but you can enter their world and learn how to care for them beyond the game. As an athlete, you can put your arm around a teammate and help them, give them someone to lean on when life is hard.

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

Galatians 5:13

When you are free in Jesus, you are free to live a life pleasing to Him, not chained to the darkness of this world. That freedom can bring a whole new perspective of all He has given you, including your sport. Live in that freedom, serve Him in that freedom and love others in that freedom. You are free to shine His light.

-Mark Jones

Challenge: Dive into FCA's The FOUR to find God's freedom today.

You Are Free

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Sun, 01 May 2022 14:00:27 GMT

Three important truths to finding the freedom you crave.

It’s exhausting to keep striving in effort and rely on your performance. Every game, we tighten up a bit more, and soon enough, the game isn’t even fun anymore because we’re too preoccupied with a perfection we can never attain.

These same feelings carry over into our lives, analyzing every report card, every conversation and wondering if we’re measuring up to the standards we put on ourselves, or others have pressed on us.

We aren’t made to live like this.

Jesus knew this, which is why He came to earth to walk through the same things we encounter, taking our place on the cross to satisfy the judgement of God and save us from our sins. When He rose from the tomb, He took away our need to get it right and gave us freedom forever!

We can take a deep breath and rest in the unchanging knowledge that God loves us and has freed us from any sin, stumble and our seeking approval. We are delivered through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and this gives us complete freedom knowing that not only is our eternity sealed, but we can live in hope and comfort that nothing we do can make God love us any less.

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (John 8:36)

Hear this truth: you are free.

Free once and for all time

Free from shame.

Free from guilt.

Free from chasing approval.

Free to live in God’s great plan for your life.

There is nothing you need to do—accept what Jesus has done and shake the weight that you’ve been carrying off your shoulders. We have great joy learning how we’re free and why Jesus wants us to live in this goodness.

Free in Christ

Before you were even aware of your need for a Savior, your Savior came to you. Wrapped in flesh, God made-into-man took the punishment we deserved and was crucified. Because He fulfilled the payment to what God demanded, when we believe and receive Him as our personal Savior, we’re securely tucked in the arms of God forever. Jesus has bridged the gap and there is nothing that can separate us from our God. He is the all-sufficient One and we know with certainty, joy and freedom that our ransom has been paid by His blood and we are forever safe and found.

“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (Galatians 5:1)

Free from Guilt

Here’s more good news: whatever’s been in your past stays in the past. Any failures, mistakes, things you want a do-over on—it’s all wiped away in Christ. The enemy tries to condemn and keep us buried in our guilt and shame, but Jesus says He is sufficient and there is no condemnation that can claim you—you are already His. There’s no need to dwell on what was; in Christ, you get to lean into what is . He makes all things new, and this includes your life. If someone tries to tie you down to any past actions or mistakes, stand on God’s truth that you are no longer held to the past but the present and future are pressed wide open for what God has for you as His child.

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

Free to Move Forward

Once you understand the lightness of freedom in Christ, it’s time to embrace this new life together. Not only did God send His Son to secure your eternity, but to bring you abundant life in the now. We don’t know what tomorrow brings, but our perspective shifts to all that we think, say and act on represent the light of Christ to a world in need of His hope. God has a specific role for you to play and wants you to move forward in boldness, truth and faith to embrace the journey He has for you that is wrapped up in His bigger plans for humanity. Ask Him what He has for you, and take time to be still and listen for His voice.

When He speaks, be obedient to step out in faith into what He’s calling you to.

“… but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13b-14)

It’s incredible how empowered we can feel living in Christ’s freedom.

God’s plans are always bigger than ours, which He has thought out from the beginning of time. When we know our worth as a child of God and accept Jesus’ sacrifice, there’s joy, excitement and a sense of wonder that occupy our hours. The next time you are tempted to feel insecure because of a comment, a missed play or disappointing grade, remember your worth and that you are already living from a place of victory.

Don’t get tangled in the web of this world; in Christ, you are free. Live out of this today.

Question: Do you believe Jesus came to bring freedom to your life and soul? If not, would you talk to Him about it today and trust in Him?

Challenge: Ask a friend or teammate to join you in going through The FOUR Daily Impact Play to learn more about what it means to be free in Christ.

Have you joined the Every Challenge ? Dive into God’s Word with the Every Devotional, become grounded in your identity and receive monthly challenges and impactful content.

Redemption Story

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 20:34:45 GMT

How the cross of Christ brings redemption to your life.

There’s a phenomenon in sports that is defined in just one word. It’s the moment when an athlete takes the field for the first time after last season’s injury. When a coach steps onto the court again, now with a new team after being let go by the last one. It’s when an athlete has a chance to win the game in its final moments after collapsing under pressure in the previous outing. This is why we love sports, right? These defining moments ignite something deep in our souls, as we are mesmerized by second chances and those "against-all-odds" moments that overcome the impossible. In one word – redemption.

Redemption unleashes deliverance. The athlete or coach is delivered from something to something else: Hurt to healed; fired to flourishing; heartbroken to hero. The goodness of these redemption moments spark excitement, for we, too, wish to find ourselves in a similar story – and we can.

Like all great stories, pre-redemption is bleak. You find yourself navigating a world that is broken and disappoints you. People disappoint you. You disappoint yourself. Empty promise after empty promise, you’re scarred by the realization that the world can’t fulfill its satisfaction guarantee that it continually makes. Doubt, discouragement and discontentment shout louder and louder; despite how well you compete and “succeed," these voices never go away. What about life’s purpose? It’s elusive and difficult to define. And how can you forget about those insurmountable addictions, habits and behaviors that never get under control?

You need deliverance from something to something else.

Step into the redemption story you’ve desperately needed: “For [God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins,” (Colossians 1:13-14 NIV).

From darkness to light. From hopeless to hopeful. From purposeless to purposeful. From sinner to forgiven. From death to life.

Neither your hard work, extra effort nor attempts to do the right thing earned your redemption (Eph. 2:8-9). This deliverance – your salvation – is a gift from God, solely based on His grace. “Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins,” (Rom. 3:24 NLT).

As God’s one and only Son, Jesus came to earth as the necessary sacrifice for your sin. After living a perfect life, He was killed by crucifixion on a cross and placed in a tomb. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead and left the grave – the ultimate comeback – displaying that sin, guilt and shame were forever conquered. Everything He did was with you in mind. His comeback defines your comeback.

Redemption can happen in a moment but last for eternity. After you receive it, you’ll notice continual redemption in every area of your life, as you are transformed to look more like the One who saved you. Deliverance happens again: From seeking others’ approval to resting in His acceptance; from trying to earn His love to knowing that He is enough; from purposelessly letting the scoreboard define your worth to purposefully pursuing opportunities to tell others about your Redeemer.

Neglecting this salvation leaves you stuck to the same old way of life forever unsatisfied by the world.

Embracing this salvation leads to redemption and a new way of life forever fulfilled in a newfound relationship with Jesus.

The choice is yours to step into the redemption story. Your moment is now.

-Scott Staal

Challenge: Sign up for FCA’s Daily Impact Play to receive devotionals on God’s love directly to your inbox.

Want to learn more about how God has redeemed you? Read our April anchor article, You Are Saved .

-FCA-

You Are Saved

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 17:38:07 GMT

God had a plan all along that would involve the greatest rescue and redemption.

There are times when we flub a play or run the wrong route or even, heaven forbid, make a basket for the other team. We’ve all messed up on the field or court and felt shame and disappointment. But we’ve also usually had a teammate who backs us up, gives us a pat on the shoulder and tells us it’s okay. Or a coach who has picked us up, covered for us and continued to believe in our abilities. Having someone who comes and covers our mistake and tells us we’re still okay makes all the difference in the world.

This happens in life, too. We're hounded by disappointments, poor choices that have consequences, what ifs and looking back in regret. We can't get it right no matter how hard we try, and it churns and spins into a spiraling cycle we can't seem to get out of.

God knows this. There’s this thing called sin that has slithered its way into the world from the very beginning of time. Genesis 3 tells the story of the first humans, Adam and Eve, who were made in the image of God.

The devil, who rebelled against God and was cast down from heaven to roam the earth, deceived them and nudged them to disobey God and eat the fruit God told them not to. And they fell, bringing all of humanity with them.

“The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:6-9)

God's Plan

The good news is when we choose Jesus, we immediately become free and tucked safely in the strong and eternal arms of our Father. Nothing can snatch you out of His hands , and you can live in complete assurance that He will be with you, not just in this life, but forever.

Jesus’ love and sacrifice are personal.

Yes, Jesus came to save the entire world. But He also came for you. Personally. Your face was on His mind when He willingly came to earth to tackle the cross. He loves you deeply and wants nothing more than for you to accept Him as Savior and Lord of your life.

"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved." (Romans 10:9-10)

God sent Jesus for us to be saved:

Through Grace

There is nothing we can do to earn entrance to heaven. In a try-harder world, our tendency is to work and strive and strain. But God says be still, and believe in the One He sent. Our sin leaves us helpless, but it’s because of Jesus’ sacrifice that we are reconciled to God. God, in His infinite care, wisdom and grace, has given us salvation as a gift. It’s free to us, but It cost Him everything to give His Son. We can receive and believe, and rest in His love that He has lavished on us.

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

For Good

God has good things in store through our personal relationship with Christ. And within the fruit of the Holy Spirit, we have peace, patience, gentleness and goodness, among others. God is a good Father, and He has good things in store for His children. In His presence is our peace, and He is after our hearts. God desires relationship with us; He desires us to be near to Him and come to Him with all our needs. He will supply everything we need, everything that He knows is good for us.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

To Grow

Every good relationship involves growth. Intimacy brings people closer together, in vulnerability, trust and acceptance. Through relationship with Jesus, we learn what it’s like to be close to Him, what His heart beats for, and to live our lives to mimic His. God ultimately wants to shape us into the image of His Son, and by leaning into His Word, connecting with Him through prayer and surrounding ourselves with people who will build us up in Christ, we strengthen our spiritual muscles to learn and grow closer to God’s heart.

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” (Philippians 1:9)

Like your teammate coming to your defense and encouraging you when you feel down, Jesus has already come to your defense and is always for you. God enables everyone through Christ to live full, joy-filled lives and walk in close connection.

Lift your eyes and fix your gaze on Jesus—He came for you. He redeemed you. You are forgiven. You are saved.

-Sarah Freymuth

Question: Have you accepted the saving work of Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection?

Challenge: If not, take a minute to pray to God, thanking Him for His gift of eternal life through Jesus and accepting Jesus’ invitation to take Him as your Lord and Savior.

Have you joined the Every Challenge ? Dive into God’s Word with the Every Devotional, become grounded in your identity and receive monthly challenges and impactful content.

God Chooses Us

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 14:00:07 GMT

We can live in confidence knowing we’re already chosen by God.

John unlaced his cleats and tossed his helmet down as he sat on the bench. He just finished trying out for his college team, one he has been dreaming of since he was a boy. His thoughts went into overdrive:

Did I do good enough for Coach to like me? What if he thought I wasn’t able, strong or powerful enough? What if I don’t make it? Did I do my best? Maybe I am not good enough to be on the team this year. If I don’t get this, what else is there for me?

John spent the next two days in worry and fear, surrounded by “what ifs.” He was caught up in the motion of anxiety and his thoughts ran wild. Normal day life was interrupted by the doubt and questioning of his future.

Two days passed when John got a call: “You made the team John! We did not question you once. You are a perfect fit.”

John’s face lit up with joy and he celebrated. But he thought about all the time he spent worried and questioning. How much different would the past two days had been if he knew he was already chosen for the team? How much more confidence would it have given him?

The game changes when we know what lies ahead. In our own life, however, we do not know what the next day holds. We do not know if we will score a goal, win a game, get injured or if we will even wake up.

But there is one thing that we can know for sure: we are chosen by God.

We are chosen to know.

Know and have confidence that we are chosen by God. This is where our identity is planted. When we know whose we are, we know who we are.

A failure does not define us. A bad test grade does not define us. A losing game does not define us. Home situations do not define us. Nothing defines us or changes our identity because it is rooted in Christ. He loves us and has chosen us, and nothing can change that.

“No power in the sky above or in the earth below… will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:39)

We are chosen to grow.

Jesus tells us to produce lasting fruit. This is personal growth not only in our own selves, but also an influential growth in the world around us.

We plant seeds, but we need to help water them by getting in the Word together, praying, asking how they are, and giving encouragement.

“I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)

We are chosen to go.

We are chosen to be in God’s family, but we are part of a bigger purpose and we need to lean into His bigger plan. Share His truth with our teammates, point them to God’s love in Christ, and step out in obedience wherever God calls you to.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.” James 1:22

It’s time to live out that you are chosen by God to grow in Him and share His love with your coaches, teammates, family and friends.

Be confident; God’s with you.

-Arbor Diggs

Challenge: Take time to memorize John 15:16 throughout your week, and find moments to be intentional with those around you on the field, in the classroom, and in the world.

Want to learn more about how God personally loves you? Read our March anchor article, You Are Chosen.

You Are Chosen

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 15:00:04 GMT

God has chosen you in love for deeper relationship and to advance His Light into a dark world.

God is constant and unchanging, and the way He views us is enough.

He has chosen you to be His son or daughter, and in His eyes, when you come to Him through His Son Jesus Christ, you are forever on His team and accepted into His family. You were created to belong in this family.

There is more to your life than you can ever imagine. God created you for a purpose that is part of a much larger plan than what you can see in front of you.

Chosen and Appointed

When Jesus came to earth, He came to find and free His people. He picked the disciples, and He called all believers, to follow Him and live their lives to produce fruit for the Kingdom of God.

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name” (John 15:16).

Jesus has chosen us in love for deeper relationship, and to advance His light into a dark world.

We’ve been handpicked for His team, and He has specific reasons for each of us.

Why have we been chosen?

To Know

We’ve been chosen and appointed by God to be fully embraced in Him. When our identity is deeply wrapped in who we are as His child, we can stand firm in the unshakable truth that nothing can separate us from God’s love. He offers us unending grace, mercy and compassion.

We can’t help it; our hearts are built to seek and know God. He knows this, and He calls us closer. Once we find ourselves swept up in His care, we can share the same love to the people around us who also need to know their worth. When we know we belong, we can help others find belonging in Christ.

“And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth” (John 17:3).

To Grow

Evidence of an abundant relationship with the Lord includes steady growth and lives the produce fruit. What fruit? Lasting fruit is beneficial not only for our own walks with God but also for the benefit and growth of those around us.

Is there someone on your team who could benefit from a weekly meeting where you talk about the Bible? Reach out and ask them to join you. Has someone on your coaching staff confided about their personal struggles? Offer to pray and consistently check in on how things are going.

God did not intend for us to store up what we learn for ourselves. He wants us to share His love with others for the good of our brothers and sisters and the glory of God.

“Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

To Go

An identity rooted in Christ will reveal a bigger purpose. It will show how we are part of a bigger plan that God has been weaving together since the beginning of time. God has been orchestrating a plan that encompasses not just our lives but the plan of mankind. This plan is currently working its way through history, and we get to be a part of it!

As we grow in the knowledge of Christ and allow Him to transform our hearts, He will share His heart for both our lives and the people He wants us to interact with. There are places He wants us to go and take the message of salvation.

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Wrap Up

When you’re tempted to look for approval from another person, pause and remember how Christ sees you. You don’t need to look outside of God’s love to feel chosen or picked. With Him, you have everything you need in Christ to live an abundant life. You belong! You can go through your days with confidence. You’ve been chosen by God and you are completely accepted and loved by Him.

Stop obsessing over whether you fit in or if you’ll make the cut. With God, you already do.

-Sarah Freymuth

Question: How can you embrace the truth that you have been called and chosen by God to know Him personally and share Him with those around you?

Challenge: Sign up for the Every Challenge and get the insider scoop on podcasts, articles, Bible reading plans and more!

Live Loved

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 15:00:03 GMT

There is only One whose love won’t ever fail or ever give up.

As competitors, whether on a team or individual sport, it feels good to know that we are cared for by our coach, fellow teammates, fans, or friends and family. To take it deeper, to know that you are loved and cared for is encouraging in times of doubt and uplifting when life is hard. Love pushes us forward and brings joy to life. Knowing that you are truly loved makes a difference in every single area of life. Love makes us better, but despite how much people love you, people are not perfect and people will fail to love well or leave us to figure things out on our own.

There is only One whose love won’t ever fail or ever give up. God’s love is perfect in every way, and no matter who you are or what you have done, the God of the universe loves you personally, graciously, and abundantly. The love we feel from our teammates, friends and family is encouraging and uplifting, but does not compare to the love that God has for us. Human love will come and go, but God’s love for you has remained the very same since the beginning of time.

“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.
With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

Everything we need and are looking for can be found Christ.

Love from family, friends and teammates can have a significant impact our lives, but God’s love transforms us from the inside out. Without knowledge or understanding of the depth of God’s love for us, life is so much different. With our mindset focused on receiving approval from others, we might push harder for affirmation from our teammates, strive for more goals and better scores all for louder applause, or a pat on the back and the love of proud teammates and fans. But this feeling only lasts for a moment in time and does not sustain us or fill us with what we deeply desire.

When we know, understand and fully receive Christ’s love, we are completely transformed because God’s love lacks nothing. God created you with His hands, and He knows you better than anyone else does - He loves you personally. He has seen it all and knows every detail about your life, what you have said and thought and each decision you have made, yet He loves you unconditionally.

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)

He loves you graciously no matter the circumstance.

God’s love for you does not waiver. He doesn’t love you differently from one day to the next. He loves you abundantly and you won’t have to chase after His love or search for it in other places.

From the moment you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, your life has been redeemed and transformed. Your identity is firmly rooted in His love and saving work of the cross and resurrection. You can practice and work hard and grow stronger, not for the applause of others, but for the glory of God.

God’s love brings freedom and grace in everything you do.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

What would your days look like if you lived out of the abundance of God’s love? Begin to love your teammates the way that Christ loves them- encourage them even if you don’t feel like it, lift them up and cheer them on. When you practice, compete or train, work hard and enjoy every moment knowing that this is an opportunity to serve Him.

God desires that you extend His love to others, and you can live it out every single day!

“We love each other because he loved us first.” (1 John 4:19)

His love will never run dry, so you can keep on pouring it out to your teammates, family, coaching staff and anyone else in need of it today.

-Claire Britton

Challenge: Sign up for FCA’s Daily Impact Play to receive devotionals on God’s love directly to your inbox.

You Are Loved

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:00:03 GMT

God sees you and knows everything about you. And He loves you just the same.

God, who set the earth on its axis and swung the stars in motion, set His sights on you and smiled. We are human beings created in the image of the triune God, and He was pleased to call His creation very good. (Genesis 1:31)

God’s love is pure, unchanging, steadfast and honest. And He’s poured out His perfect love for us again and again in new mercies each morning. There is nothing we can do that separates us from the passionate, relentless, pure love of God.

He sees you and knows everything about you. And He loves you just the same.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

You are loved. And not just in a standard, all-encompassing genetic. The God of the universe, who created you intentionally, loves you intentionally, unconditionally and immeasurably. You are never alone—He has poured out His perfect love over you and longs for you to receive this love. He went to the ends of the earth to rescue you from your sin by sending Jesus to live a perfect life, die the death we deserved and lifting Him up to have authority over death and sin. He brought you into His family because He loves you, and you have always been on His heart when He thought up His redemption plan.

How does God love us?

Personally

The Creator of all things knows everything about us. He knows what we like, what we fear, our hopes, the color of our eyes and the troublesome move in our sport we can’t quite master yet. He knew where you would be born, the town where you currently live, the people in your family and the people you’d meet along your journey. There is no part of your life that takes Him takes Him by surprise. God is invested in you personally. And He is closer to you than you can imagine. When you feel sad, He’s there. When you’re unsure, He’s there. When you want to share something exciting, He’s ready to hear. God wants to be with you in every mood because He made you with a heart that feels and a mind that thinks, and He wants to be in close relationship with you.

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

Graciously

There is nothing God won’t do to show you His love. He’s already graciously given us the best gift of all—a right-standing relationship with Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus. While we were dead in our sins, God brought us to life through His Son. God came to us, forsaking His divine holiness, to breathe, think and act like us so that we may be saved and have a High Priest interceding for us who has been tempted and tried just like us. Jesus empathizes with us in our weakness to be made strong in God’s love. We don’t deserve anything, yet God through Jesus has given us everything. He is extravagantly gracious to us, and He doesn’t demand anything of us, but deeply hopes we turn to Him and return His love.

But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Abundantly

When we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord and He takes away our sin, we are adopted into God’s family. And as sons and daughters of the King, we enjoy the blessings of being in God’s family. He lavishly loves us and gives us His presence through the Holy Spirit, and we get to take comfort in knowing our Father has our best interests in mind, and that everything He does for us, He does in love. As children of God, we are also heirs to a glorious inheritance—together with Him for eternity. We live out of victory and freedom and have the honor of living out our days honoring Him. God can do more than we can ask or imagine, and He likes it when we turn to Him to help us in our seemingly impossible situations and watch Him go to work on our behalf. There is no better place to be than in the strong, capable and loving arms of our Father.

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

There is nothing you can do that will turn the Father’s love away. God is love, and He longs to share His love with you and have you share His love with your team, community and family. He is for you, and He pursues a personal relationship with you.

Don’t worry about what others think about you. You’re already deeply loved.

-Sarah Freymuth

Question: How can you live in the truth that God loves you personally and unconditionally?

Challenge: Sign up for FCA’s Daily Impact Play to receive devotionals on God’s love directly to your inbox.

Made with Intention

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:54:23 GMT

God made you in His image and gave you a unique purpose and connection with Him.

What if your coach showed up to practice without a plan? What would that say about your coach? Careless. Not focused. Uninterested. The best coaches craft their practice plans with significant intention. There is purpose behind every hard day, recovery time and everything in between. A coach with purpose starts with the goal in mind before any plans are created.

God’s goal for your life is for you to know Him. He knew this before any plans were created. His top desire is to be united with you in a whole and healed relationship. Since we are now aware of the goal, we can begin to see the methods of His intention from the beginning of creation.

God made you in His image. He set you apart from the animals, land and sea to give you a unique purpose and connection with Him.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.’” (Genesis 1:26)

It was His joy to put you on this earth and give you a responsibility to reign over creation with Him.

Not only did God make you like Him, but He created you to show the world a unique part of who He is. He has put you in a specific place with intentional interests and gifts to demonstrate His glory on the earth.

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” There never has been and there never will be anyone like you. Your passions were not placed in your heart by accident. You were made short, tall, strong or slender on purpose. (Psalm 139:16)

God has formed you and continues to form you into the man or woman that He has called you to be.

There are people and places that only you will have access to because of how God has made you. Whether you feel stuck on the bench in the high school dugout or you are flying across the world to play at the highest level, you were made for such a time as this. In the book of Esther, a girl who was an orphan made her way to the throne of royalty. There were plenty of times that she could have felt confused or hurt by the life she was living, but her family, her appearance and her circumstances were completely orchestrated by God. Her cousin Mordecai reminded her in Esther 4:14 says, “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther understood her position, used her voice wisely and eventually saved her people from destruction.

When you can grasp the reality of being intentionally created by God, there is a new fire that will emerge in your life. You are not a wanderer stuck in the world; you are a traveler with purpose. You are not stuck on the sidelines; you are a fierce teammate. You are not a careless coach; you are a fearless competitor. Live out how God has made you and make an impact on the team He has placed you on and in the community He has set you in.

Let that fire burn bright so others will see the God who makes us with intention .

-Jolee Paden

Challenge: Go through FCA’s 31-day Every YouVersion reading plan with a teammate, family member or as a coaching staff.

You Are Created

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 17:18:34 GMT

You matter. You are made with a grand design in mind. And you are meant for so much more.

We always want more. More reps. More playing time. More wins. More championships. More records. The list goes on and on. As competitors, we are driven by being the best and making the most of our athletic or coaching careers.

But when is enough, enough?

Maybe what we’re striving for, we already have. Maybe who we’re trying to be, we already are.

Maybe we’re not looking in the right place. Maybe we need to adjust our view and shift our sights on Someone who has a higher view.

Over the next year, we’ll explore what it means to live out a faith that impacts EVERY part of life to deepen our relationship with Jesus and others. From embracing Everything in Christ, reaching Everyone Through Christ, acting Every Way Like Christ and living Every Day with Christ, each of these quarterly themes will shift our focus from the things of this world to the blessings in Christ.

“And this is the plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the

authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with

Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes

everything work out according to His plan.” (Ephesians 1:10-11)

Where do we begin? Embracing everything in Christ through our creation.

Ever wonder where you came from? Besides the obvious, do you wonder whether your life really has purpose or meaning? As coaches and athletes, you can get bogged down by playbook after playbook, perfecting your skills as best you can, pouring everything you have into your sport because, from all outside appearances, that’s where you get the most recognition.

But you’re chained to the whims of people’s emotions. Whether they praise your play or call out your mistakes, others’ opinions can influence your day. As your performance fluctuates, so does your approval.

This can’t be the way we’re intended to live, is it? Constantly on the teeter-totter of performing to belong only to be tossed about by the highs and lows of changing opinions? Does it matter? Does who you are matter?

Yes. You matter. You are made with a grand design in mind. And you are meant for so much more.

God Created the World

For you to believe that you are created in personal ways and for good things, you need to believe there is a Creator.

Look around you. The trees, the sky, the season, your hands—where did they originate? Certainly, their designs are too intricate to come from chance. So chances are, Someone gave great thought and care to crafting all things along with the cosmos.

In the Bible, we see how things began:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.”

And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.” (Genesis 1:1-5)

First, a void. A stagnant nothingness. But the Spirit of God hovered, waiting. Then, a voice spoke into the silence, calling for light. A calling into being, breaking apart what we know as day and night. And God, the voice bringing meaning from nothing, called it good.

For four more days, He continued carving rivers and woods, canyons and mountains, bringing birds and whales and bears to life.

Then, on the sixth day, His crowning jewel appeared: mankind.

God Created You in His Image

So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27)

God intentionally fashioned man and woman in His image, to create and fulfill good works He prepared for them. One of the biggest differences between human creation and the creation of landforms, plants and animals is this: God’s breath began our life.

“Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” (Genesis 2:7)

Transferring air from lung to lung is an intimate picture. But if we consider it long enough, what a game changer! The God who made all things took the utmost care to come close and craft us.

Think about what interests you. Do you like taking things apart to learn how they are put together? Do you value long, deep talks with good friends or teammates? Does your idea of a fun afternoon include exploring a new part of the city without a map or any hints of what’s around?

These interests aren’t accidents. Neither is your personality type, or your talents and skills. When God dreamed you into being, He hand-packed you with the exact likes, hopes, desires and discoveries that light you up when you live them out. And He put you in a specific place at a specific time, with specific people to connect with and specific plans.

Do you believe this? This is your true identity. Hold firm to this truth, or it will be hard to live out your purpose to embrace and live with everything in Christ. If you’ve been influenced by who others tell you they think you are, you won’t get the accurate picture. If you try and be who your teammates or fellow coaches think you should be, that won’t feel right, either.

God’s opinion of you should hold the most influence—what He says, goes. This will bring you peace and fulfillment. God says you are created in His image, wonderfully made and His child. Nothing can separate you from His love, and He has great plans for your life.

There is more in store for you.

God Created You for a Purpose

You don't need to keep looking around for where you want to fit in. With God, you already belong.

Question: How has God uniquely created you?

Challenge: Go through FCA’s 31-day Every YouVersion reading plan with a teammate, family member or as a coaching staff.

What Is Every?

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:08:11 GMT

FCA's 2022 Ministry Theme

As a coach or athlete, every rep adds up. Every practice matters. Every play counts. You give all your efforts and energies in everything you have to your sport, team and even fans. Oftentimes, it’s the world’s approval that fuels the enthusiasm and passion you have to be the best at your sport.

THEME VERSE

"Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us

with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ."

Ephesians 1:3

What’s the truth we want you to experience this year?

The truth is, we already have everything we need in Christ. It’s His approval we should be after and for His glory that we should be putting on our jersey or picking up our playbook and whistle. When we realize this, we are able to live every day as unto the Lord and receive the spiritual blessings He has in store for us.

The coach and athlete story of Every can be seen below:

Once Upon A Time … I lived for the benefits and applause of the world.
And Every Day … I chased after gaining approval in all the wrong places.
Until One Day … I recognized that by being in a relationship with Christ, I now have everything I’ve ever wanted and needed.
And Now … I live every day to become more like Him and receive the spiritual blessings He has in store for me.

Within the overarching Every narrative, we zoom in on focused areas each quarter that share important truths. Each quarterly component concentrates on a smaller theme within the big picture and walks us through how to engage in these areas.

EVERYTHING IN CHRIST

Striving for perfection and purpose will always lead us to God. He loves us and He created us. God wants to use us, and He gave us everything we need for a full life.

EVERYONE THROUGH CHRIST

God picked us, even when we were doing wrong. We all need to be saved. Everyone can be saved through Jesus.

EVERY WAY LIKE CHRIST

It’s impossible to reach our goals alone, we need support. In addition to getting help from others, Christ has given us God’s Word, the Holy Spirit and His Church.

EVERY DAY WITH CHRIST

God has called each of us to a mission. In order to fulfill it, we must prepare in advance and have the right equipment.

We have everything we need in Christ — now, let's live it out!

-FCA-

EVERY Articles

Ready, Set, Go

God gives you everything you need to run the race before you.

He’s Given Us a Mission

He’s Given Us His Spirit

He’s Given Us His Word

He’s Given Us the Church

You Are Ready

It’s time to show the world the glory of God.

A Boldness That Lasts

Be confident that God's approval is the only approval you need.

You Are Bold

When we are strengthened in the Lord's Spirit, God gives us an outpouring of boldness to help fulfill our purpose.

In Faith

In Life

In Relationship

Before and After

Living out the source and purpose Christ brings.

You are Strong

﻿ Every Day with Christ

In the world of sports, strength matters.

In Christ

To Stand

To Equip Others

Grow in God's Word

In spiritual training, you become Christ-like.

You Are Growing

Grow deeper, grow stronger in Christ.

In Humility

In Strength

In Wisdom

Your Greater Purpose

Have you ever been asked, "what gets you out of bed in the morning?"

Love God and Love Others

Saved to Lead

Fulfill the Mission

You Are Called

God has called us to live out His message of grace and truth.

Called to Love

Called to Lead

Called to Last

Stay Grounded

Root yourself in the firm foundation of God’s truth.

You Are Rooted

Every Way Like Christ

Study God’s Word

Be in Prayer

Meet with People

The New You

We are no longer living to prove, but living proof of a loving God.

You Are New

﻿ Jesus makes all things new.

A New Creation

A New Example

A New Way of Living

Live in Freedom

There is hope to find a way forward.

You Are Free

Three important truths to finding the freedom you crave.

Redemption Story

How the cross of Christ brings redemption to your life.

You Are Saved

God had a plan all along that would involve the greatest rescue and redemption.

God's Plan

Through Grace

﻿ For Good

To Grow

God Chooses Us

We can live in confidence knowing we’re already chosen by God.

We are chosen to know.

We are chosen to grow.

We are chosen to go.

You Are Chosen

God has chosen you in love for deeper relationship and to advance His Light into a dark world.

To Grow

To Go

Wrap Up

Live Loved

There is only One whose love won’t ever fail or ever give up.

You Are Loved

Every Day with Christ

Jesus makes all things new.

For Good

God Created the World