God's Blessings

God has given us blessings! This is the heading of the section in 2 Peter I read earlier. Want an amazing thought. The thought that each one of us has been blessed by God, not because we deserve it but because he loves us and wanted to bless us. This however comes at a price. A price that each one of us needs to pay but one that each one of us are able to pay. This is also crucial for the sportsmen and women. God has blessed them with unbelievable sporting talent. Talent that each one of them are able to use to show the world what God has done. Opportunities like the Olympics coming up, is just one of the platforms in which the athlete can show their talents, how they have trained themselves in both physical and spiritual aspects.

The challenge that is set for us is the following and is written here in 2 Peter 1 from verse 5-9. It reads “Because you have the blessings, do your best to add these things to your lives: to your faith, add goodness; and to your goodness add knowledge; and to your knowledge, add self control and to your self control, add patience; and to your patience, add service to God; and to your service for God, add kindness to your brothers and sisters in Christ; and to your kindness add love. If all these things are in you and are growing, they will help you be useful and productive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Are we adding these things to our lives. Are we as coaches and athletes adding these things to our lives? Are we trying to add goodness and Knowledge. Are we using self control in our sporting environment? Are we patient or are we impatient for results? Do we as coaches and sportsmen add service to God and show kindness to our fellow believers, competitors or colleagues? And do we show love, like it is commanded that ‘we love another as God has loved us?’ The important thing for each one of us is to thank God for the abundant blessings he has given us BUT more so are we taking up the challenge of living our lives like He wants us too?

The last piece that stood out for me in 2 Peter was in Chapter 3 from verse 8-9. “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: To the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years is one day. The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised – the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” We as human beings don’t always understand God’s time. Things may not always happen when and where we would like them to happen. But here it is explained. God is being patient with each one of us, particularly because he does not want to loose any one of us! He wants each one of us to change our hearts and lives to the better. If He, the Almighty, is prepared to wait for us should we not step up to the plate and take the challenges he sets us, head on.

Have a blessed day.

SB

Prayer for Angus Buchan

As many of you know Angus Buchan is the simple farmer from Greytown in Kwazulu Natal (South Africa). He is a normal man whom has received a blessing from God. He started from humble beginnings giving his life to Christ when he was at an all time low. Since then and particularly over the last 3-4 years he has been lead by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel. His story was made known when he shared it with us in the book “Faith Like Potatoes” where his life journey was shown. This has lead to a movie being made where we see the trials and tribulations of a normal man, a farmer, and how through his faith in the Lord miracles happen.

More recently Angus has hosted on his farm the “Mighty Men” conference, which started out with 15 farmers and workers to where this year there was a predicted 24 000 men. This however grew over the last 2-3 weeks period and miraculously 60 000 men spent the weekend on his farm. Unfortunately I was not able to attend this but from everyone I know that went they said it was a definite eye and ear opener. This then lead to the recent ‘Loftus for Jesus’ event (as I described in a previous post) where 70 000 people gather to praise God! What an event it was.

The challenge however is now the following and this was highlighted to me by Riaan (Eastside Community Church, Senior Pastor) both in last weeks prayer mail and on Sunday morning at church. What are we up against and in simple terms it is Spiritual Warfare. Satan and his army will attack those that are firm in faith and particularly those who profess their faith publicly. Spiritual leaders within our community of believers will come under attack. This does however not mean we must shy away from doing so but rather be more adamant to share and particularly be supportive of one another as we all share the faith, gospel and belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that God is truly the only way, the only truth and the life (John 14v6)!!! So the challenge Riaan set for us is one that we need to prayer for Angus Buchanan, pray for conviction of faith, support from family and friends and that when the attacks come that his faith grows and that he does it all through God.

So my prayer this morning is to join in this. Join in praying for those spiritually lead individuals that have been blessed to share the gospel and their faith, that they may grow in their faith and that God will be the ultimate rock and comforter. Please join in this prayer!

SB

The challenges of a coach

Saturday saw the last of my swimmers leaving for their home countries for the final camps before they compete at the Beijing Olympics. This brings together the total of 8 swimmers from different African countries and 3 swimmers I worked closely with (them and their coach) that will be representing South Africa. This leaves me with mixed emotions. Different feelings are running through my head and heart. These are most often positive and negative ones. These include:

• Having wished them well as I saw them for the last time ever (as some of them from the African countries won’t be returning) and others till after the Olympics
• Knowing that everything I could have done was done BUT was it enough?!
• Knowing there is nothing else I can do to improve their preparation. As they now enter into the FUNNY phase, we scientists and coaches refer to as The TAPER!!! Now it is just up to their bodies to respond and recover. They need the rest.
• Trusting that I have allowed for enough rest for those coming off big volume and those not that the stimulus I am still providing to them with the programs has incorporated enough rest so that they don’t go into the event feeling tired. Rest is such an important aspect of performance and cannot be neglected and is not less important that good volume of training. One soothing thought is that as a top world re-known Australian recovery specialist says – Work hard + rest well = Best performance – and that even God the creator of all worked on this principle. He worked hard at creating the earth (as you know that is no small feat) and then on the Seventh Day he RESTED!!!
• Realising that I will not be there for them during the final lead up to probably the most important event of their lives. But having faith that I have prepared them well, imparted knowledge, confidence and the Knowing what to do on them that they will be successful. And letting them have the realisation that even though I am not their with them, that my heart is there with them and every stroke they take.
• Hoping / desiring / wishing for contact with them just to hear that all is going well and everything is on track according to plan.
• Finally the only thing left to do is commit their lives, the last 15-20 days of preparation (whilst on training camp with the national teams and coaches for their respective countries) and their performances at the games to the Lord, that that if it is his will and he is satisfied with what has been done and what they stand for, their will reach and even surpass the desired and potential achievements there are destined for.

Race well Guys!

God Bless

SB

Apology

To those of you who saw that the Gods Champions Blog received some Spam mail this weekend, I do apologise. My intention from the start has been to create a platform for athletes to share about God. I have therefore removed it and will try and keep this type of postings to a zero.



SB

Beijing Olympics & SA Olympians

With the Beijing Olympics fast approaching, all the final loadings have taken place and the athletes (most of them) are entering into their starting phases of their tapers. The work has been done, the fine tuning is now starting and the faith in their abilities, their Faith in the plan that God has set out for them, should be growing by the minute and by the day. Man, this is such exciting times with only 17 days to the opening ceremony.

Today we say farewell to some of our SA athletes, particularly our swimming team, who depart for an acclimatisation camp in Korea from the 23^rd of July to the 4^th of August. So it was yesterday that with excitement, a wish I could be there and more particularly I prayer for a safe and successful journey that I said good luck and bon voyage to 3 of our Tuks swimmers. What a journey it has been, the dedication, perseverance, chats, happiness and challenges it has been over the last few months and years, to finally get to this point! I have seen the athletes grow in strength, ability and faith over the last period of time and I know that the Beijing Olympics is going to be an awesome experience for each one of them.

I have already had to say farewell to some of my other swimmers from African countries that I have been coaching (with the thought that I may never interact with them again from a coaching level was I challenge – I wont lie to you), and the final 4 depart towards the end of this week returning to their respective countries, namely Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania and Swaziland, where their respective Olympic teams will meet and depart from. What an experience this has been working with swimmers from various African countries. It has taught me much patience (particularly with the thing we call African time ;-) ), perseverance, dedication to being able to assist in optimising their talents and being the same every single time and day I interact with them.

My Pray for all these guys and all those competing in Beijing that their God given talents and gifts will be displayed and used as it was planned as part of the bigger plan.

There are a few verses I would like to dedicate to these guys. This is my prayer for them at the games. (Some of these verses I have highlighted before).

• That they realise that, as it is written in Phillipians 4 v 13:- “I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength”

• That if they commit everything they do to the Lord the plans, if it is His will, will be realised as it is written in Proverbs 16 v 3:- “Commit to the Lord everything you do and your plans will succeed”

• And finally there is two separate parts I would like to bring together for them. These two are about ‘running’ or swimming the right race they will achieve the ultimate goal and crown.
• 1 Corinthians 9 v 24-27:- “You know that in the race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. So run to win! “All those who compete in the games use self control so they can win the crown. That crown is an earthly thing that lasts only a short time, but our crown will never be destroyed. SO I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something – not just the air. I treat my body and make it my slave so that I myself will not be disqualified after I have preached to others” (NCV).

• 2 Timothy 4 v 6-8:- My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now, a crown is being held for me - a crown of being right with God..." This should be the ultimate goal for each one of us, to achieve the ultimate crown.

God Bless to all the Olympians

SB

James - Listening and speaking

I started reading the book of James this morning. Thought I would let you know that I am excited to read this book of the bible. In glancing through it, it is based around How we are supposed to live as a Christian. Going to enjoy this one.

One of the things that stood out for me in the first chapter was about listening and obeying. In Chapter 1 verse 19 it reads “My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak”. This is such a challenge and I often catch myself listening but not really listening because my mind is all over the place. The challenge for each one of us is to stop a minute and listen. How often do we actually not listen even though we make out as if we are. This is in all situations, whether is be listening to family, friends, colleagues, our coach, our parents and especially God. So are we really listening??? \

The next challenge set for us is that we need to listen but in particular be slow to speak. This is for me a challenge daily as when I get tied up in things and someone speaks to me I want to sort things out before the person is even finished explaining the situation. So as James says we need to be willing to listen to others (and in particular listen properly) and take time before we speak to allow ourselves to process the information and provide the best advice, input and potential solution as possible.

SB

Loftus for Jesus

Wow, what an amazing gathering. To see 70 000 (think the said it might have been a little more though), gather at one of the countries largest stadiums where usually the screams and cries and jubilation is for the Bulls, Sundowns or some other sporting team, to be transformed into praise and worship for Jesus Christ. What an experience it was. To see that people were prepared to miss the Springboks vs the Aussies (not that we as South Africans missed much) and rather get together and celebrate the life of Jesus and what he means to us as Christians. What an event! I must compliment the organises in honouring God and going through with this event.

The Praise and worship was phenomenal and especially to hear the ‘Our Father’ be sung in Afrikaans by 70 000 people was definitely a moment I wont forget. To see the hunger of the all of us there to be filled with God’s presence and to honour him was amazing. You realise that there is a revival taking place in our country, one that starts with each one of us! Wherever we are in our walk of life! Angus Buchan (Faith like Potatoes – farmer) was brilliant in bringing the message across that he believes God is saying to us as individuals and as a nation. In a discussion at church yesterday with a friend whom also attended, it is so important that we realise that this that is happening, the revival, the gathering of believers is for God and from God and not for Angus or anyone else who organises such events. He is truly blessed to be able to stand up in front of an audience of so many and say it as it is, as it is in the bible.

Another moment that stood out for me was when Jaco Van Der Westhuizen (Former Springbok and Blue Bulls Rugby Player) reflected on the day last year when the bulls won the Super14 rugby tournament and in particular the situation around him wearing a t-shirt with the inscription JESUS IS KING. I clearly remember this day being there in Durban at the final and seeing Jaco climb up on the cross bar of the rugby posts with this t-shirt on. Need less to say I am sure he received some reprimand for his actions and in particular not wearing his bulls kit after the final whistle had blown and the bulls had won the historic game. However, he believed and felt the presence of the Lord the whole day, with the Lord saying that the day is about Him and not anything else. This he wanted to show to the world.

We have opportunities abundant to profess our faith and show that Jesus is King. The question is are we prepared to stand up for our faith. Whether on the sporting field, at a gathering such as the one on Saturday, at work and will we go to war for God.

Have a blessed week.

SB

Finding Jesus

It seems even the cyclists have found Jesus!

Living by Faith

Hebrews 11 is a chapter all about faith. For me verse 6 really stands out. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” In another biblical version it reads as follows “Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him.” Within this chapter of Hebrews we look at faith and the whole aspect of blind faith. Faith is blind, we cant necessarily see the outcome of our faith, but we must believe that we are doing the correct thing. This is so similar to the sporting world where faith is such a vital and critical component of performance and improvement. There are many instances that as athletes we need to have faith. These are endless for example having faith in our coaches abilities, having faith in our own abilities, having faith in the program we are following, having faith in the plan that is set out for us, having faith in fellow team mates and having faith that the desired outcome will be achieved.

These instances of being faithful as an athlete can be paralled to the our faith in God. In both instances we are living by a ‘blind’ faith with every now and then receiving snippets that we are either doing right or wrong. This for example is when we read from the bible or receive confirmation from the Holy Spirit or compete in a competition and either have good or bad performances. Just the same as we need to have faith in our coach we need to have faith in God. Just the same as we need to have faith in the plan (periodisation plan in sport set for us) we need to have faith in the plan that has been laid out for us for our lives by God, a plan for our lives set up before we were even born. Just the same as we need to have faith in fellow team mates so too be need to have faith in the Body of Christ the church and the people around us, supporting us in our walk of life.

Faith is difficult, but as it says here in Verse 6 of Hebrews 11, without it is impossible to please God and that if we come to God we must believe and truly want to find him. So too our athletes, have faith firstly in the Lord our God and also in what the plan is laid out for you!

Davids Prayer

This morning I opened the Bible at 1 Chronicles chapter 29. This chapter is based around King David and where he requests that they build the Temple of God. From verse 10 we find David’s prayer and I would like to share this prayer.

“We praise you, Lord, God of our father Israel. We praise you forever and ever. Lord you are great and powerful. You have glory, victory, and honor. Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you. The kingdom belongs to you, Lord; you are the ruler over everything. Riches and honor come from you. You rule everything. You have the power and strength to make anyone great and strong. Now, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name. These things did not really come from me and my people. Everything comes from you; we have given you back what you gave us. We are like foreigners and strangers, as our ancestors were. Our time on earth is like a shadow. There is no hope. Lord our God, we have gathered all this to build the temple for worship to you. But everything has come from you; everything belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test peoples hearts. You are happy when people do what is right. I was happy to give all these things, and I gave with an honest heart. Your people gathered here are happy to give to you, and I rejoice to see their giving. Lord, you are the God of our ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Make your people want to serve you always, and make them want to obey you. Give my son Solomon a desire to serve you. Help him always obey your commands, laws ans rules. Help him build the Temple for which I have prepared”. Then David said to all the people who were gathered, “PRAISE THE LORD YOUR GOD”.

I trust that this prayer of David can also be our today, thanking God for everything, praising his glorious name, knowing that everything comes from God and belongs to Him and finally wanting to serve and obey God.

God Bless

SB

Farewell Kelli

Today we say Farewell to Kelli Zlateff as she heads back to Ohio in the US this week. Kelli has been part of Ambassadors in Sport over the last number of months here in Pretoria, SA. Kelli has been part of our cell at Eastside and it has been really cool to see her passion for the Lord, her dedication to the Amabassadors soccer ministry and her outlook on life and love for others. It was highlighted to me with her trip to Zambia with some soccer girls over the month of June and her feedback that showed her excitement for what God was doing through their ministery in Zambia was amazing.

 

We really wish her well and prayer for abundant blessings when she moves home and also gets married in November as she starts the next chapter of her life in serving God. It is through people like Kelli and organisations such as Ambassadors in Sport that people passionate for sport can see the splendour of God.

God Bless Kel on your new adventures.

The Balls

Canoeists 4 Christ - sharing the Water of Life - Meet the Champion - Cameron McIntosh

I have known Cameron for a few years now and he is a by the book guy looking for the best and it is really cool to read his testimony. His enthusiasm has always been a stand out feature for me of him. If you click below you will be able to check out his testimony.

Canoeists 4 Christ - Cameron McIntosh

Canoeists 4 Christ - sharing the Water of Life - Welcome to the Canoeists 4 Christ website

I came across this website on another webpage of a SA Slalom paddler respresenting South Africa at this years Olympics in Beijing. Enjoy the site!



Canoeists 4 Christ - sharing the Water of Life - Welcome to the Canoeists 4 Christ website

Plenty of rain? Sowing & Reaping

I have started working through the book of Hebrews and this morning I read through Hebrews 6. Within this chapter a lot has to do with Knowing God or knowing about God (as it is described with an insert in my bible). A section of this chapter that stood out for me was from verse 7-12. It reads as follows:

“7Some people are like land that gets plenty of rain. The land produces a good crop for those who work it, and it receives God’s blessing. 8Other people are like land that grows thorns and weeds and is worthless. It is about to be cursed by God and will destroyed by fire. 9Dear friends, we are saying this to you, but we really expect better things from you that will lead to your salvation. 10GOD IS FAIR; HE WILL NOT FORGET THE WORK YOU DID AND THE LOVED YOU SHOWED HIM BY HELPING HIS PEOPLE. AND HE WILL REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE STILL HELPING THEM. 11We want each of you to go on with the same hard work all your lives so you will surely get what you hope for. 12We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised.” A few things stand out for me in this piece.

Firstly how people are compared to land. As we all know land is of vital importance in the production of vital food for us as humans and also animals. If the land is spoiled or does not have the correct make up the crops and the end products is not of great quality.

Secondly, the land that receives plenty of rain (good input) produces a good crop and particularly for those whom have worked for it, and it will receive God’s blessing. This is the same for us as humans in that if we receive the correct ‘information’, support, advice and we work towards a life full of God and to adhere to His commands, advice expected way of living, we too will receive his blessings.

Thirdly, the some individuals are like a land that grows thorns and weeds and is worthless. This is true especially with individuals who harvest bad thoughts, who follow ill advice, whom don’t follow God’s teachings and don’t meet the necessary expectations.

Fourthly, the harshness of the words in verse 8. ‘… and is worthless. It is about to be cursed by God and will be destroyed by fire.’ This is very harsh and straight to the point something that we often do not want to be faced with, directness. But as it says if we don’t follow and do what is expected of us, we will be treated accordingly and it won’t be pleasant. This links back to a previous post of mine where I mentioned about the harshness of fire and the fact it has the power to destroy.

Fifthly, the verse that can and should bring us affirmation and reassurance that if we don’t what is expected on us that we will be treated FAIRLY because God is Fair and he wont forget the work we have done and love showed to others.

Finally, the command and expectation set for us as believers. This entails going to do the same hard work for all of our lives, not becoming lazy and if through applying faith and patience in our work we will received what has been promised to us by God. This is a really encouraging thought but along with is the challenge is set. If we take up that challenge we must be prepared to do this for the rest of our lives on earth, ensuring we follow God with unconditional faith and allow for patience as at the right time God will show and provide to us.

This passage made me think of the parable of the planting the Seed (This is found in Matthew 13). We are humans need to remember that “what we sow, we shall reap” so it is important for us to be sowing the right things in the right places and through the belief we have in what we are doing and not rushing God for action we will reap the rewards. So as sportsmen and women what are we sowing and in return setting ourselves up to reap. As sportsmen we are always exposed to having to apply quite often both faith and patience in our training and competing. So this is something we should be used to! So why not do the same for Christ?

SB

Flames of Fire

Am I a flame of fire for God? Am I that warm powerful burning flame in the environment I am in? Am I that flame that is passed on to my surroundings. This image of the flame makes me think of the flame that burns at the Olympic games. Every four years a special ceremony commences in ancient Olympia (Greece) at Mount Olympus with the lighting of the ceremonial flame. This flame follow a journey around the world as a symbol of the upcoming games. Everyone knows about it and wants to be part of the race or at least see it coming through their country. Is this the same then for our flame that we should have for God? In Psalm 104 v 4 it reads “You make the winds your messengers, and the flames of fire your servants”. In another version it reads “… His ministers a flame of fire.”

This is such a powerful image. Fire is such a powerful phenomenon in nature. It has the ability to destroy, it has the ability to build up and it has the ability to be passed on! It can destroy much however when I think of the image of controlled fire burning the dead grass over the winter months ad the rejuvenation and new growth that follows it you realise how powerful it is to have a positive effect. Fire is ‘contagious’ it can be passed on but it is bright and cannot be ignored. Are we that fire for God?

As athletes / coaches do we have that capacity to be that fire. Yes we do and we have as servants been told to be those flames of fire. Flames that everyone can see, that hold a symbol to something, what we stand for and what God stands for. This is just the same as that Olympic flame that starts its journey at Mount Olympus and travels thousand of kilometres around the world to its final destination the host city of the Olympic games (and in this year being Beijing – a country where Christianity is not followed as is other religions), where it burns for the duration of the games as a symbol to all of what the games mean. Are we prepared to be that Olympic torch and are we prepared to shine brightly and burn with a heat and passion for our Lord. This is not only just for our Olympians this year but for all sportsmen whom travel their countries or the world to compete in their sports.

But to those Olympians for the upcoming games in Beijing, what is going to burn brighter? The Olympic flame or our flame of fire as a servant of God!

SB

End of the Race

As we compete in sport either recreationally or professionally we all compete for a prize. That prize is different for each one of us. For some it is about the victory over others, for some it is about victory over difficult circumstances (such as disability) for others it could be a victory over inactivity. Each perosns motives have value for that individual. But ultimately there is one outcome that we should all be striving for and looking to achieve. That outcome is eternal life!

In reading 2 Timothy I came across a piece in Chapter 4, Verse 6-8. This really struck home. Is this not the ultimate that all of us should be able to say at the end of our short time here on earth? Is this not what each athlete should be able to say when he / she competes for that "victory" within their sporting endevours? It reads "My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life. I have fought the good fight, i have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now, a crown is being held for me - a crown of being right with God..."

This verse then makes me think about what Riaan (Eastside Community church - Senior Pastor) often says about being the ultimate satisfaction when God will one day say to you as it is written in Matthew 25 verse 21 "... Well done, good and faithful servant..."

What a challenge has been set for each of us. The challenge to fight the good fight, to finish the race, to have kep the faith and in turn one day hear the Lord say to us "Well done my good and faithful servant"

Be blessed
SB

Good Servant

As we draw nearer to the Olympics (36 days away), our Olympians should be challenged by what are they going to do at the games. This is not only from a performance in the pool, on the track, in the rowing boat but also their performances for God whilst they are there. What impact are they going to have on others lives whilst they are there, what example are they going to be for God? This does only just pertain to the Olympians participating. This includes coaches and administrators, volunteers and spectators going to witness one of the greatest spectacles where human endeavour to achieve and put there body to the ultimate test. This also includes any of the above mentioned individuals whom may never get the opportunity to go to an Olympics however on a weekly basis apply their trades on a provincial, local and club level.

Preparation for such involvement requires many hours of dedicated training, participation and just plan hard work. Training your body is so important in the ability to achieve the desired results. However, Paul writes in his first book to Timothy a warning, one that should be taken note of. He writes in 1 Timothy 4 verse 7-8 “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds the promise for the present life and also for the life to come”.

So as athletes, managers, coaches what do we learn from this verse. I learn that I need to train myself and my athletes. That this training is not only one of bodily training as it does offer value – limited however – and that the training we should be doing is one for godliness as this is where the eternal prize lies. S we need to train for these games and stick to what we are doing but there is another training we need to ensure we are doing all the time. Training for godliness!

In chapter 6 verse 11 Paul also writes “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness”. My prayer is that over the next few days (36 to be precise) for the Olympians and for those not going over all their sporting time, that we are able to pursue the traits that Paul has commanded us to pursue. Have the faith, show the love, be steadfast in our convictions and what we do, be gentle with others, do what is right and train for godliness.

God Bless

SB