Gods Champions

Keith Green - Make My Life A Prayer To You Lyrics Album: No Compromise

2012-01-22T20:03:00.001+02:00

You make my life a prayer to You
I wanna do what You want me to
No empty words and no white lies
No token prayers no compromise

I wanna shine the light You gave
Through Your Son You sent to save us
From ourselves and our despair
It comforts me to know You're really there

Well I wanna thank You now for being patient with me
Oh it's so hard to see, when my eyes are on me
I guess I'll have the trust and just believe what You say
Oh You're coming again, You're coming to take me away

I wanna die and let You give Your life to me, so I might live
And share the hope You gave to me, the love that set me free
I wanna tell the world out there, You're not some fable or fairy tale
That I've made up inside my head, You're God the Son
You've risen from the dead

Oh I wanna thank You now for being patient with me
Oh it's so hard to see, when my eyes are on me
I guess I'll have the trust and just believe what You say
Oh You're coming again, coming to take me away

I wanna die and let You give Your life to me, so I might live
And share the hope You gave to me
I wanna share the love that set me free
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Jesus, I’m missing the point | You have my word.

2012-01-22T15:02:00.001+02:00

Great thoughts on worship and how if its about anything other than Jesus, we missing the point.

http://havemyword.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/jesus-im-missing-the-point/

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Sometimes to look forward we need to look back - Vision Sunday @EastsideSA (Senior Pastor Riaan Niemand)

2012-01-22T10:45:00.001+02:00

Riaan shared on memories of significant places and areas where his ministry started and had significant moments.

'The stuff I am busy with, does it have eternal value? Am I caught up in the right things?!?' - Riaan

'I want to finish well!' - we should all be aiming to!

Riaan challenged each of us - "How is your heart? Are you the same as when you accepted the Lord? Or has the 'normal' life robbed you?"

'I need to up the Rev's of my spiritual life'

Luke 10: 25-28

How do I finish well?
1. Love God completely
2. Love your neighbour as yourself

(Matthew 22:40)

Matthew 6:10 'your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven'
As Christ followers we need to bring God's kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. We prayer for it - It is possible.

If this is true, what do we need to do to fulfill these two commands?
'Full me heart Lord daily!'

Loving your neighbour
1. Personally - Love family, work, play
2. Church - Love the people who visit and worship @ eastside
3. Other people - Loving other communities of faith; People in crisis; Poor and dispossessed

This year we want to:
- Inspire you to give yourself to God in abandonment
- challenge you to become the most spirit filled loving person In town
- Change your mindset by helping you to bless and be blessed

What do we need this year in Eastside?
- Be a spirit filled christian this year, living out your calling in our communities, seriously.
- Commit to a cell and connect seriously.
- We need a ministry of socials to connect people
- We need for everyone to seriously adopt a block (too many broken people)
- We need to go into a third building phase
- Loving those who are not from our community
- Restart a church that is standing empty (Team or church planters for 2013)
- Having a big youth celebration in December for churches across denominations

We need your help for?!?
- Prayer all of this into being
- Give us some of your time to serve these communities
- Give us money and resources so that we can help these communities to help themselves
- Help us to feed children and support early learning centers
- Support our job creation initiatives
- consider giving two years of your life towards church planting
- we need intercessors. Satan does not like it when a church like ours get serious about these things.

Jesus says Love God with abandonment!

The Love God test
1. Take a journey back; are you where you used to be?
2. Have you ever started loving God?
3. Is your life today more radical than last year this time?
4. What is really important in your life?

We need to help ourselves to help others!

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Right the first time

2012-01-21T10:04:00.001+02:00

"If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" -John Wooden

John Wooden, a highly successful coach, with many lesson learned, highlighted the fact that if we use time as an excuse for doing it right the first time or saying we don't have the time to do it right, THEN we most definitely won't have the time to do it over again - properly.

In a coaching / athletic performance world it is very true and applicable. As coaches we need to encourage / enforce / provide an environment and culture of 'first time, right time!' We don't have time to mess around because every session, every stroke, every stride is part of the larger process of becoming a better athlete and individual. So using time as an excuse to not do it right the first time, should actually be no excuse.

In our coaching world applying the 1-10 rule is very applicable. For every time I do it wrong I need to do it 10x right to correct the wrong.

So too in the Christian walk of faith. Every step, every action, every deed, every prayer, every quiet time, every moment should be done right. Time should not be a factor!

Often in our Christian walk of faith as a 'Christian' coaches and athletes we use TIME as an excuse for not doing things right - the first time. You know its early morning and late training sessions, and 'all' the other things that take times. Reality though as Coach Wooden said, if we say we don't have time, we won't have time to do it over. God gives us a chance to make choices and to make the right ones now, remembering that one day the world as we know it will no longer be and we will have all hopefully made the right choice on earth to have joined the right team, the ETERNAL team of Jesus Christ.

Its time for me and all to evaluate what we using as excuses for not doing things right and 'hoping' we will get a chance to do it over.
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Its not your courtroom! - Pastor Mark Odendaal (Eastside Community Church)

2012-01-15T19:59:00.001+02:00

Its not our place to judge - God is the ultimate and only one to judge.

1. Don't judge those who break God's laws (Romans 2:1-5)

2. Don't judge in the Grey area (Romans 14:1-10)

3. Don't know when you're in the Dark (1Corinthians 4:5)

4. Don't judge unbelievers (John 3:17)
Its not our place, not even Jesus came to earth to judge people.

If we as Christian stand in judgement of others then the kingdom is going backward

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Signs of a healthy church - Acts 2 - Pastor Desmond Henry

2012-01-15T10:23:00.001+02:00

Rick Warren - 'we need to focus not on church growth, but church health!'

Many churches are growing! But how healthy are they???

Acts 2

So what are the signs of a healthy church?

1. Spirit-filled / Spirit-Led Leadership
Lead from a point of spirit filled leadership, not our own understandings

2. Spirit-filled preaching and teaching (Acts 2: 16f)
Focused on the word of God, being spirit led in our preaching and teaching

How healthy am I? Is my life centered on the word of God and empowered through the Holy Spirit?

3. People turning to Christ (Acts 2:41)
"I want to stand up for Christ"
How commited are we, as Eastsiders and individuals professing to be Christians, prepared to go out and to find and save the lost?

4. Hunger for the Word of God (Acts 2:42)
God's word is a living word, if we allow the Holy spirit to impact the word of God into our lives. God's word speaks into our lives, IF we allow it to!

Fill your life with His word and allow the word to tranfor your life

5. A desire to be together (Acts 2:44)

6. Breaking of Bread together (Acts 2:42)
Make this part of our daily lives. Remember me, God said, by sharing and breaking bread together.

7. Passionate Prayer (Acts 2:42)
Prayer can change circumstances and can change us!

Give thanks to God through prayer. Practice being in God's presence
God see's and hears everything

8. A sense of awe and wonder about what God is doing (Acts 2 :43)
Do We have this sense for this year?
What can God do through each of our Lives?!?

9. Extravagant generosity (Acts 2:44)
Willful and own choice giving. What does God want me to do with my resources, not just money! Giving of myself, time and funds for God.

10. Purposeful Unity
A. Large and small groups (Acts 2:46)
B. Joy .. Sincerity ..
C. The Lord added to their number daily.

What are we doing in the will of God to enhance the health of your church???

How healthy are you?!?

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Tracking the Training | FCA Resources

2012-01-12T21:00:00.001+02:00

The FCA (Fellowship of Christian athletes) has great posts and food for thought on the life of an athlete and or coach and more specifically the spiritual walk of faith.

In this post we as coaches and athletes are challenged in both our tracking of our training but more importantly our spiritual walk and tracking thereof. Enjoy!

http://fcaresources.com/devotional/2012/01/12/tracking-training

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Winning - not a part time thing

2012-01-04T22:23:00.001+02:00

@frankdickcoach: No one is a part time winner. Winning is a choice for life. It is how you live your life. It is being all you alone can be in every moment (via Twitter).

Reading this tweet earlier tonight made good sense and something I can agree with. We get so caught up in 'winning' as athletes and coaches, that we often loose focus of what it entails and is all about. What we also forget, as mention by Coach Frank Dick, is that winning is not a one time, now and then thing. Its a 'Life' thing. How we live our life out each day that contributes to the success of winning.

Everyday, every moment, its a choice to win. Live each moment as a winner, not only some times when you remember and want to experience it. This does not however mean that living a 'winning' lifestyle each day is going to be easy. Not at all, it will be challenging and often challenge the norm.

God also expects each of us to to live like and be winners. Per implication, we first need to join the winning team (God's team, by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour) and then follow the walk of a winner each day.
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Discipline vs regret - a challenging quote

2012-01-03T22:26:00.001+02:00

"@motivatquotes: We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment." ~ Jim Rohn

This is very true, we will suffer, its just which one that will make the suffering 'pleasant', I suppose.

As my squad gets back into full swing of things for this new year on Thursday, there will be some suffering and particularly after a 'break' (even though I trust that they all have kept active with the programs I have provided them), the pain of discipline and being disciplined in training and focusing on the task at hand will be a challenge. If they neglect to 'become disciplined' to the squad sessions and or they were not self disciplined over the holidays, they will find this challenge great.

The other end of them not being disciplined will most definitely be that of regret and disappointment in the long term. This can particularly be the case if / when they don't achieve results based on their ability due to lack of work, effort and commitment.

Similarly in the Christian walk of faith, we are required to walk a disciplined road, along the straight and narrow. This is not an easy road, but the fruits of this labour is great, similar to the fruits of the sporting labour. However, choosing not to walk this route the pain of regret and disappointment is far greater than the pain we experience committing ourselves to the Christian faith. The long term benefits of the 'pain' of discipline far outweighs that real pain experienced if we do not.

We are told in the bible to discipline our bodies like the athlete!

So as we start our final cycle of the 2011/2012 swimming season and I coach my athletes to prepare them for the final, main national competitions of this season, disciplining themselves and their bodies is a challenge I will be placing in front of them continuously.

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2012 - an Olympic new year

2012-01-01T22:17:00.001+02:00

So around the world everyone has moved into the year 2012. What makes this year special to us sporting 'freaks' is that the ultimate sporting event, the Olympic games, takes place again this year, with London, England, playing host. This for me as a coach is a special event, as I view it as the ultimate.

For me, my greatest dream is to be fortunate enough to be able to go to an Olympics.

Well 2012 will see athletes from around the world aiming to and eventually competing at the games. But the Olympic games has greater significance than just competing, its also what it stands for as outlined in the Olympic motto.

This morning I sent the following message to my swimmers. This is a special message directed at them. Understand though that I am coaching primarily senior age group swimmers, with many of these now breaking through into the senior ranks in terms of performance. I see each swimmer as an Olympian. Some might make it there some day, that we don't know, but what I do know is I can challenge them to be better, and especially when we move into a new year. So here it is:

"To all my amazing squad of swimmers. Here wishing you an amazing Olympic year, 2012. My prayer is that each one of us use each opportunity to make use of our God-Given talents in this year. Let's approach the year as Olympians, always striving to improve ourselves in everything we do, not only swimming. Remember the Olympic motto is Faster, Higher, Stronger. Let's become such in all we take on. May 2012 be filled with many special blessings & moments that hold memories for life. Hold family near. My prayer is that Psalm 37: 3-5
(3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.)
holds true for each of us this year. Let's tackle it. Happy new year my Olympians. Coach S."

Does this not hold true and should hold true for each of us. So as we have moved into the Olympic year, 2012, let's make it a special one.

God Bless
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Psalm 33 Gearup the next days - Eastside 3rd December

2011-12-04T10:19:00.001+02:00

A psalm of encouragement - worship and prayer.

Worship and praise has two sides without which, worship is a purely self-centered exercise.

What make up the best thing of worship.

1. The fear of the Lord
- He made everything out of nothing
* the lord merely spole and the heavens were created, he breathed the words and the stars were born
* he spoke and the world appeared at his command

- there is no one who can stand against him
* he fustrates the plans of nations
* his plans stand firm forever
* the best equipped army the strongest army cannot save you
* do not relay on your war horse to give you victory

- Nothing can be hidden from him
* from his throne he observes everything

We must come into GOD'S presence with fear and reverance and respect.

GOD'S plans are firm and never waiver - forever!

GOD does not observe from a distance, he is permanently on his throne, overseeing all.

We have replaced the respect of GOD with respect for ourselves.

Spend time over this CHRISTmas period spending time with GOD. Spend time in his presence, hear his word ...

2. The second part of worship is - The JOY of being a son
- Ephesians 1:3-5 'for he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight'
- when we spend time in christmas we invited into the throne room as HIS son.
- as having accepted Lord Jesus as my savior, I don't come into his throne room as a guest, but rather as a Son!

HE made our hearts , so he understands everything we do (v15)
The Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love (v18)

Sing a new song to the Lord

Application
- Sing a new song this Christmas
* let Christmas be a time of reverence - make special time.
* Enjoy your sonship / daughtership

* Ask the Lord to meet with us in a special way this Christmas.
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Positioned for Blessing - Eastside Community Church (Pastor Mark)

2011-11-27T10:27:00.001+02:00

(Shortened notes - Steven Ball)

What is a blessing?

'A blessing is an empowerment to succeed.'

Its not as simple as going into God's shopping mall each morning and choosing and getting what we want.

'Prosperity is not measured by material possessions but by the presence of God in our lives'

Genesis 32: 24-29
As Jacob wrestled with God ...
- Thoughts -

1. Jacob was ALONE with God (v24) - when last have we had the GUTs to truly be alone with GOD? What if I speak to God and he does not reply ... Does that mean I am alone? No! What 'Quality' time am I spending with God specifically?
The blessing of God comes from our relationship with God - grow in intimacy with God.

2. Jacob was BROKEN by God - too often we pretend all is ok, all is good. We need to though make ourselves vulnerable to God and in front of others. God is glorified when in our weaknesses we come before God and he is able to live and act in our lives.
More often we need to be broken so that God can rebuild us!

3. Jacob was HUNGRY for God - 'jacob said you may not leave before you feed me'. Jacob was hungry for the blessing of God. Don't substitute other false things into our lives, instead make sure we are fed by the God of all creation.
God your will be done, not ours!

4. Jacob was HONEST with God - do we actually know who this person is? Who is my indentity. 'What is your name' - Tell me who you REALLY are! Only after struggling a long time with God, can and will your identity be found ...

PUT our pride aside and Humble ourselves in front of God in a REAL way! Become real and
God will bless!

God has a desire to bless us all! Are you ready and willing to get alone with God in our lives?!?
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Share a note

2011-11-27T06:45:00.001+02:00

"Servantship" -- coachstevenball

http://bible.us/n/CAsL
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Share Today's Reading

2011-11-27T06:42:00.001+02:00

I'm currently reading day 15 of Breathe Life. To join in and read along go to:

http://bible.us/r/V.F.U
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How often Do I reflect on the good?

2011-11-20T20:45:00.001+02:00

We so often get caught up in the deserts of our lives, in the bad parts, the times of drought, the things that do go according to our plans.

We forget and barely ever reflect on the good, the times of greatness according to God's plan and not our wish list.

Spend time in acknowledging God's greatness in our lives. Acknowledge all the happiness, all the positives. In hindsight reflect on God's plan and influence on our lives.

Thank you Lord for the amazing bessings in my life. Thank you for the abunce you have provided us this year.
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Thank YOU for the Cross

2011-04-24T06:40:00.000+02:00

Thank YOU for the Cross

Today, on this day almost 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ the son of God the father, fulfilled the promise that had been given. The promise that He will send His only son, who will become man, walk on this earth of ours, will die for each & everyone of our sins, and then rise again to sit at the right hand of God the Father in heaven.

Today we celebrate Gods promise to each one of us, His promise of the resurrection and the promise that God cares for each one of us, just as Jesus called Mary by name in the garden after she was at the tomb. He knows us all.

Jesus has risen, He has risen indeed. Thank YOU for the Cross my Lord.
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5 lessons from the fig tree - Luke 13v6-9

2011-04-17T19:07:00.000+02:00

5 lessons from the fig tree - Luke 13v6-9

(From & Excerpts & applications of Eastside Community Church Service - Pastor Riaan Niemand)

1. Fig trees are sought after.

Jesus told his story to real people. These lessons are real from a real God dealing with Real people. We are precious in God's eyes, each one of us.

Incredible truth is that God was willing to send his Son for each one of us.

2. Uselessness invites disaster.
Everyday the God that Loves us with a love we can't explain, looks at us each day to see the fruit he want from each of us.
However, if we are not fruitful and only live a life focused on ourselves we end up dead & lifeless.

3. Nothing survives that just takes & takes

We as Christians often just want to feel nice. To just take and not focus on God as our center and to give back what God gave us. The challenge is to heal the broken hearted, by going into the broken world through the life that God has called us to.

Can you imagine if we all were as fruitful as God intended for each of us.

4. The reality of a second chance
God gives second chance. Jesus lived by different set of rules. As He hung on the cross He asked God to forgive them as they know not what they do.

5. The finality of not being useful.

There won't always be another chance. (Matthew 21:17-20). The warning of the fig tree. God is a God of second chance, IF we submit to the Holy Spirit.

Application
God has placed his hand on us, each one of us. We are His fig trees! We are placed to produced fruit love a fruitful fig tree.
This is an awesome message for all sportsmen & women. This is each of our stories.
Are we bearing a lifestyle of fruitfulness or one of sin?
Am I willing to bear God's fruit for him?
What are we embracing today?

Go & bear fruit!!!
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God's Love

2011-04-09T07:40:00.000+02:00

God's Love

Psalm 91: God will send his ministering angels to protect us. Nothing is hidden from the Lord.
The Holy Spirit will hold me accountable.
He is Most High, Almighty

I can have a relationship with God because:
- Because He loves me!
- Because He acknowledges my name
- Because we r friends.

KNOW GOD!
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'Just walk across the room' - Bill Hybels

2011-04-08T06:15:00.000+02:00

'Just walk across the room' - Bill Hybels

The back of the challenges us through saying the following:
"Astounding things happen when you follow the model of Jesus. Emphasizing the leading of the Holy Spirit, Hybels invites you to step out of your 'circle of comfort' & into encounters with people who long for someone to take an interst in them - men & women with stories to tell & hearts that yearn to experience God's love reaching out to them through your smile, your encouragement, your transparency, your friendship"

Challenge is that, as me as a coach working with particularly athletes, am I firstly willing to do this answer secondly am I anywhere near to doing it in some small way already.
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Every Christian should be in full time ministry.

2011-04-03T21:22:00.000+02:00

Sermon by Abel Loedloff - Eastside Community Church
FInding God when the Heat is on

Every Christian should be in full time ministry. Otherwise u r a part time christian.

God is faithful.
Will we give up before we receive, even if the road is long?!?
James 1v2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when u meet trials of various kinds;
James 1 v 3 - for u know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

- Don't ask 'why's - Ask 'what now'
- Positive confession - Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17)
- Seek first kingdom, then all things will be added to u!
- Trust Him no matter what - Job
- Wait upon the Lord - Isa40:31 'But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their Strength.'

What I deserve is Hell, cause I sin, so anything better than that is a bonus!

We must find our center / quiet part of the storm, there God is for us.
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GrowingwithGod by Ronwyn: He's amazing..... daily

2010-12-29T21:44:00.000+02:00

GrowingwithGod by Ronwyn: He's amazing..... daily: "Yesterday I woke up with an excitement, expecting something good to happen. The whole day I waited with eager anticipation, for what I thoug..."

Verse of the Day - 29th Dec 2010

2010-12-29T14:46:00.001+02:00

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message & believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed death into life.” – John 5:24

‘There’s no greater comfort than to remember that you’re living in the center of God’s will – nothing can ever happen to you without God’s permission’ - Anonymous

What stuff are we busy with?!? - Update time

2010-12-28T21:46:00.001+02:00

So as you have noticed I have been really poor, to say the least, in updating the blog & the Gods Champions facebook group. Unfortunately 'normal' life has got in the way over the last few months of what I should be focsing on and that is spending time in God's word & making sure I am doing His work as intended.

As I am sure you are all aware it is so easy for us to become busy!!! Busy doing stuff. The question thought then is what stuff are we busy with & is it God's stuff. It is a huge challenge for me personally as I am always BUSY doing something. Most of the time though not always the right thing.

The challenge thus for us as we come to the end of the year, 2010, is for us to unclutter our lives with stuff. Determine what is all the stuff we are busy with & wether or not it is part of the bigger picture, the picture God has for each one of us. If its not then we need to be matrue & sensitive enough to get rid of it and rather strive to be involved in what God has planned for us.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good & acceptable & perfect will of God" - Romans 12:2

A new Creation

2010-08-23T02:42:00.002+02:00

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldy point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us ministry of reconcilitation:
that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting mens sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christs behalf; Be reconciled to God.
God made him who had no sin to be sin fro us, so that in him we might becomce righteousness of God"
2 Corinthians 5 v 16-21

Absolutely Brilliant

2010-07-22T09:03:00.002+02:00

Many of you might have already seen this. I received it this morning.

Enjoy.

Psalm 37 v 1-9; 16-18; 37-40

2010-07-15T09:20:00.002+02:00

On my way into work this morning I heard on Impact radio Psalm 37 v 7-9, so I read the Psalm. Great one!

"1 Don't worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.

For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither.

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper - it only leads to harm.

For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the Land"

"16 It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich.

For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the Godly.

Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever."

"37 Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.

But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.

The Lord rescues the Godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.

The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him"

What an amazing Psalm. Here we are told that if we are Godly and look toward God he saves us and looks after us. However, if we are wicked and strive to do things for self gain and ourselves God will judge us and not look after us. He can be and should be our fortress, only though if we are Godly. Too often we see sportsmen and women, coaches and administrators striving for self gain and not Godliness. Judgement from God will prevail and we need to evaluate our motives on how we do and excute things. How do I deal with others and what am I looking to achieve through sport should be our point of decision.

God Bless

2 Chronicles 20 v 5 - 9 & 15

2010-07-13T07:53:00.001+02:00

5 "Jehosophate stood before the community of Juah & Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. He prayed,'O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are the ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful & mighty; no one can stand against you!

O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people of Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham?

Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. They said, 'Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this temple where your name is hoinoured. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us & rescue us.'

15"He said, "Listen, all you people of Judah & Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's."

Gods Champions Joins Facebook

2010-06-15T13:47:00.001+02:00

Decided to set up a facebook group for Gods Champions. Go and join it and share your faith and see how other sportsmen & women share theirs.

God Bless

The Glory of Reaching the Goal [SermonSeeker.com]

2010-04-23T21:54:00.000+02:00

The Glory of Reaching the Goal [SermonSeeker.com]

Struggles in coaching: Joshua 1 v 9

2010-04-16T11:46:00.000+02:00

"Remember I commanded you to be strong & brave. Dont be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go."

What a verse at a time I need it. Sitting at a competition the whole week & the performances of my athletes have not been satisfactory. So you sit and question what you doing, how you doing it, has enough been done, how have I messed up, where could I have done better. What is wrong with me as a coach & my program?

Sometimes as a coach I believe we need to go through this. Go through the experience of reflection, but we got to make sure we dont break ourselves down so badly that we battle to get up again.

Thats exactly what I am fighting with right now at this meet. It has not been good, my athletes have under performed BUT then even through this unhappiness & disatisfaction the Lord can be the strength through his word. BE Brave & know he is with us.

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Eric Liddell

2010-04-10T10:44:00.000+02:00

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run I feel his pleasure" Eric Liddell (British & Olympic running champion who refused to race on the sabbath because of his belief in God Almighty, the creator of heaven & earth, the maker of all things, the one who sent Jesus christ, his one & only son to come & become flesh as man to die on the cross for our sins, not that we deserve it, but to give us everlasting life & life in abundance).

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He has risen!

2010-04-04T05:42:00.000+02:00

The Lord has risen, He has risen indeed!
May you all be blessed this easter as we celebrate the death & resurection of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we celebrate what the Lord our God did for us, something that none of us can & ever will understand. That, as it says in John 3v16, "for the Lord loved us so much that He sent His one & only begotten son to die for us, so for whoever should believe in Him will have eternal, everlasting life".

God bless all as we celebrate.
SB

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As for me & my House

2010-04-01T18:19:00.000+02:00

Got this song stuck in my head today where I cant help thinking how symbolic it can & should be for athletes. Not sure who sings it & I would not do it justice if I tried to sing it for you.

I believe that it is based on a bible verse in Isaih. The words are along the lines of
"As for me & my house.... We will serve you. As for me & my house we will spend our life for you. .... Today I choose to follow you, today I choose to honour, Today I choose..... "

Is this not amazing words. As individuals we have the choice, the choice to accept Jesus as our Lord and saviour. We can make that choice today & is provided the freedom to do so. As athletes we have the choice too. We have the choice to honour God through our sport, our actions, our interactions with other athletes, how we conduct ourselves on the sporting fields, how we honour God through our templs / bodies & talents we have been blessed with.

So today make the choice.
SB

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Psalm 13 v 5-6

2010-03-31T11:30:00.001+02:00

"But I trust in your unfailing Love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me"

Bouncing back

2010-03-29T20:13:00.000+02:00

Wow it has been a while. So much has happened in our lives since we last blogged. All I can say though is God has had is hand in it the whole time.

To explain everything right now will take forever, however what can be said is that our lives have changed over the last 12 to 18 months. Rob's & I have had work changes, our awesome nephew Keenan moving in with us, Robyn working for our church (Eastside Community Church) as the childrens ministry director, us having an awesome month in America over december & january, my swimmers competing at the major competitions for the season & doing well & much much more.

All in all the balls have been bouncing and the ball has kept & will keep on rolling. The next few weeks and months will be once again extremely busy, so I will try & keep us up to date.
God Bless
S

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Happy New Year

2009-01-01T01:13:00.000+02:00

So 2009 is but 1hour old here in the southern tip of africa. Here's wishing you and your loved ones a blessed 2009. May God's grace be upon you and your family. May you grow from strength to strength through His guidance and love and may all your dreams become reality according to His ultimate plan for you.

Looking forward to an awesome 2009 and many interesting and entertaining posts.

Keep well

1000 Hits

2008-12-26T17:23:00.000+02:00

We have reached 1000 hits. Over the last few days we have gone over the 1000 marks in number of times that people have visit this blog. That is so awesome and I hope & pray that in some small way it has contributed to the Kingdom Of God. My prayer is that through this Gods Champions blog more lives are changed, sportsmen & women feel they have a forum to provide testimony & share about what the Lord has done in their lives. God Bless to all who read this blog!

Steven

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T18:28:00.000+02:00

May this Christmas be a special time for u & your loved ones, a time of reflection on what this special day symbolises(that Jesus was born to fulfill his destiny & save our lives), and a day filled with love, happiness & abundant blessings.

Psalm139 The Lord has a plan 4 each of us, the same He had a plan 4 his son Jesus. Celebrate the start of his destiny.

To all our family, friends, colleagues, clients, faithful blog readers and all who stumble across our blogs, we wish you all much love, and thank you for being part of our lives.

God Bless, Love Steven & Robyn - 'The Balls' (Keep Bouncing!)

AB De Villiers - First test SA vs AUS

2008-12-21T10:47:00.000+02:00

So about 45 minutes ago the Protea National SA team beat Australia in the first test match of the series in Aus. What made it extra special is that it was the second highest chase total in the history of test cricket. This was also the first win on AUS soil.

AB De Villiers, scored 63 in the first innings and went on to score 106 in his second innings. It was a spectacular innings and he deservably won man of the match. When He scored his 100 he ran down the crease and looked upwards to thank God.

When the interviewed Him he stood firm in his faith & shared it with all. Last night, according to him, when he read the Bible last night he read a verse that said 'I the Lord God will be with you through deep waters and protect you'. He felt that God was with him and supported and guided him today.

Well done AB! Stand firm in fiath and do not be lead astray by others and the feelings and emotions of winning and success.

God wants true worship & He will punish the proud

2008-12-16T12:32:00.000+02:00

So I am finally on leave for the Christmas break and my wife & I have moved our way from Pretoria towards Cape Town (SA). (if you want to check it out go to http://www.itsallaboutballs.blogspot.com). So this morning we have woken to a beautiful day in Knysna. This beautiful coastal city can only be God made. I am sitting outside on a wooden deck amongst 11 wooden houses, with a beautiful sun enhanced view of the Knysna Heads (two mountains that form the entrance way into the lagoon from the Indian Ocean.

So i opened my bible and opened it on Psalms 50 & 52. So I read. Here are some key aspects that were highlighted to me.

In Psalm 52 the question is asked 'Why do you brag about the evil you do?' How often do we brag? How often do I brag about things that is not because of my doing but rather through the grace of God? How often do I boast about 'my' successes? Should we not be sharing about God and what He has done for us? Yes we should. It is often so easy for us to brag about 'our things', 'our lives', 'our successes' BUT we find it difficult to brag to others about our Lord and Saviour, the one who knows everything, who created everything, the one who has a special marked out plan for each of us! The question is are we willing 'to be ruined forever' (v5) or are we willing to take up the challenge and be proud about God?

Linked to this I felt was Psalm 50, where we read about God wanting true worship. What is that, true worship? Well, i suppose if we think of one side, we could related it to being proud of God, being willing to brag about him. However in this psalm one thing that stood out is that it went about more than that. In verse 14-15 it reads:

"Give an offering to show thanks to God. Give God Most High what you have promised.

Call to me in times of trouble. I will save you, and you will honour me."

What does God want. He wants us to show thanks. Show thanks for what He has done for us. But more importantly, give what you promise. Don't make promises you can't keep and those you do make live up to them. What God wants and what shows him worship is calling on him when you in trouble. Call on Him during troubled times. Don't take things for granted, ask for his help and He will save us. But make sure you honour Him. By doing this we will honour God.

So go to Him for help and He will but go being willing to praise him.

God bless

Cape point - 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' Day 4

2008-12-16T12:06:00.000+02:00

Standing at the tip of Cape Point, a historic landmark in South Africa, a landmark of such beauty but one that at the same time has caused much damage and lives cost. As I stand leaning over the walls with the Atlantic Ocean so blue I cannot help feeling God's power as I marvel it his creation. The awesomeness of His creation and the feel of His power as the Cape Doctor (the winds that clean the Cape) blow up the side of the mountain cliff face.

Being able to visit places like this and view His creation is phenonmenal and I am blessed being able to. As the birds swoop around the face cliffs the freedom they experience, at the same time as being carried by his power the wind. it makes me think of the verse in the Bible where we are carried on eagles wings.

When you look at this point, seeing the ocean bashing against the rocky cliffs, feel the wind blowing up the mountain, you can only appreciate it, but at the same time respect the creation.

While I stand here I cant help praying that more people can experience God's creation and beauty like I have been blessed today, whilst on holiday and that all can realised how great is our God!

God Bless our country and Africa!

Getting caught up in Life?

2008-12-04T14:49:00.002+02:00

It is amazing how quickly a person gets side tracked with 'life'. The hussle and bussle. The everyday work and activities take over and before you realise the things that are important in life get neglected. Over the past 2 months there has been soem changes in my life and in particular in the work that I do.

I have moved completely into working in the sport that I love and with the athletes that I admire for their dedication, motivation and persistancy. This is swimming. The hours of training, time spent at competitions and away from family amazes me.

Along with this move has come extra early mornings, long days and getting home after dark. Associated with this move i have neglected my responsibilities. My responsibilities as a Christian, who commited his life to serving God and who also committed his life to sharing my faith and that of sportsmen and women that I get in contact with, I have neglected over the last while. There are no excuses and I have have just not prioritised my days appropriately. Not doing my quiet times, spending time sharing with friends and family and not posting on this blog, has been the scenario.

It amazes me how quickly we can loose track, loose the plot and loose focus on what is important. And what do we do, we use the excuse 'I am so busy'. Reality is however that it is all just excuses and lack of planning, prioritising and just plan laziness. From time to time we slip and don't keep up, which is uacceptable. We need to always re-evaluate where we are, what we are up and what is important. In hindsight, I can see God's hand in my life throughout this last 2 months and how he has blessed me personally (with the new job for example).

So, the challenge is to each of us to continually re-evaluate what we are up to and if it forms part of what is important in life. So I am, are you?

God Bless
SB

Currie Cup Final

2008-10-25T22:21:00.000+02:00

So today saw the final of the world reknown Currie Cup rugby final. This prestigous tournament as known to deliver games of the highest caliber. For the South African players competing in this event, it is like as test match on almost every weekend. So today saw the Vodacom Blue Bulls travelling to Durban (SA) to take on the home side, The Sharks. Both these teams have a long history of difficult battles against one another and today proved to be no different.

Anyway, the game was played hard, fast and fair with almost none altecations between players leading to disciplinary action by the referee. The Sharks came out winners of the match and hosted the trophy for the 5th time in the long history. After the game, the captains of both teams, along with other players were interviewed by the broadcasting company.

What stood out for me was the openess and willingness of the hard men, these tough players, to up front and before anything else, to thank the Lord for the talents He has blessed them with, for the game that he allowed them to play and for keeping them safe during the game. This was really awesome to see and hear and acknowledging that your sporting talent and the opportunities you have been given to showcase it, comes from God, is absolutely awesome. Once again I am not always sure if, as sportsmen and women, coaches and managers, we realise the opportunity we have to show and share our faith.

Nice one guys! It is really not about who won, but rather about how we competed, how we used our talents and skills and if we were prepared to share our religion to the outer ends of the world.

Keep well & God Bless

Praise You!

2008-10-11T06:49:00.001+02:00

Psalm 9 v 1-2 reads: “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High”

The question we should be asking ourselves is ‘Do we sing God’s praises?’ Do I as an individual in present day society praise God? Do I praise him with my WHOLE HEART? I believe this is the key. Singing God’s praises is just one thing, but praising God with our whole hearts is another. I am praising God for the abundant talents, blessings and marvellous works that He has given me and if so is my entire being, my whole heart in what I am saying and thinking?

On another note we need to ask ourselves if we are telling all of God’s marvellous works. He continually performs amazing works amongst us as human beings, but when this happens do we tell others or do we just keep it to ourselves. The challenge here is to share our faith, to share with others about what God is doing in each of our lives, to share from the heart, the whole heart.

May we all be blessed today BUT more sore may we we given the conviction of faith, the courage of a lion to share and share from the heart with all we come into contact with.

God Bless

My Strength

2008-10-08T06:35:00.000+02:00

“The Lord God is my strength. He makes me like a deer that does not stumble so I can walk on the steep mountains” – Habakkuk 3 verse 19.

How amazing is our God. He, if we put our trust and faith in him, can be our strength and help us overcome difficulties. He can help us move on the steep mountains of life that face each on of us. Lets put our strength in God!

God Bless

Hansie Movie

2008-09-27T21:33:00.000+02:00

So on friday afternoon i watched the movie, 'Hansie', about Hansie Cronje, the former SA cricket captain, who meant so much to the SA nation as a sporting hero, but whom fell to temptation of satan and money.

It was a really awesome movie that brought back many memories of his rise and fall. What stood out in the movie was his faith, particulalry after his fall. It once again showed me how important faith is to an individual and should be to a sportsman. Once he realised that God forgave him and he forgave himself, hs life started improving and the relationships with friends and family improved. Unfortunately Hansie died a tragic death in a flying accident.

So do yourself a favour and go watch the movie. It is an inspiration. Pay particular interest to his faith and the faith of others around him. Also listen to the quote, early on in the movie, of Eric Liddle from the Chariots of Fire story. I will share that in a future post.

So happy watching.

MY DECISION

2008-09-26T20:46:00.000+02:00

I received this as part of an email over the last few days. It is so important to look at our outlook on life. This is really important on a day to day basis. Our daily outlook on life is crucial in how we live each day, our decisions about life, our handling of situations, how we interact with others and how serious should I be in life. So for sportsmen it is important how we go to training or competition, our outlook on tough sessions, how we interact with fellow compeitors and in particular our interaction with coaches.

So enjoy the read. You will be motivated and challenged on your daily outlook. Thanks Byron for the mail.

MY DECISION
Adapted by Natale Roelofse, SCAS

An 92 year old, poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, shaved perfectly and with his hair fashionably coifed (even though he is legally blind) moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. "I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight year old having just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait." "That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up".

"I have a choice: I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes are open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!"

What an incredible story! What a lesson to learn. Everyone reading this will agree that it is so strikingly simple that it almost hurts! Where do we stand on this? Isn't it true that we are more in control of what is happening around us, on how we decide how it will be? Every single action counts. Isn't this the way Jesus wants us to be; wants us to live by? The good part is always there. The decision is ours. He too is always there, but it depends on us whether we allow Him near us, into our lives. 2 Corinthians9:6 "He who sows sparingly, but he who reaps sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully." What are we sowing?

He ended off with "Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing".

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.

4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Questions
1. What was you 'decision' this morning? And how did it affect you already?
2. What is the most significant 'decision' you can make today?
3. Should you make any changes in your life on this topic?
4. Who will these changes affect mostly, directly and indirectly?

World Class player & Budha???

2008-09-21T18:03:00.000+02:00

So yesterday driving around the city I saw a newspaper headline saying 'World class flyhalf kicking for Budha'. So of course I was intrigued and dissapointed. So went to the shops to check out the newspaper and was very dissapointed when i read that the English World cup winning flyhalf, Johnny Wilkenson, believes his new found calmness and strength.

My prayer is that he can rather turn to Jesus. That he can realise that his talents, the numerous sporting talents he has been blessed with, come from God and no where else. That he can rather find strength in the Lord Jesus, and that He may become Johnny rock and salvation.

Lord, be with him and show yourself to him. May you guide him to salvation and blessed him abundantly.

Being a Fire!

2008-09-21T17:22:00.000+02:00

So last weekend we went on a church camp with Eastside. During the camp a fire relit itself and all the men went to put it out before it spread and got too close to the tents. When i got to the fire it set a tree alight right in front of me. Those red/orange flames were amazing. What was even more amazing to me was the power of the flames and the fire. As it got bigger the heat and power felt like someone had hit me on the chest. The power was incredible. What was also incredible was how quickly the fire spread through the dead grass, bushes and trees.

This made me think about the song, 'Jesus be the Centre'. In that song we sing - 'Be the fire in my heart, be the reason that I Live, Jesus, Jesus'. Here we are asking Jesus to be that strong and powerful fire. The fire that I experienced last week. To be that fire that totally consumes and spreads through us. Like another song where we sing 'All consuming fire, fan into flame, a passion for your name'. My prayer is that we can experience God like this fire. That it can be all consuming and that we can become that flame that spreads through the world!

God Bless

Opening Prayer & Scripture

2008-09-05T22:06:00.000+02:00

A big well done to the organising committee for a swim meet I am at. It is not often that this happens at a sporting event and the first time that I am at a swim meet where they have opened the event with a bible reading and prayer. It was really great to see this happen. Nice one guys!

When people are threatened by your faith

2008-09-05T09:32:00.001+02:00

Others could often become threatened by your faith. Threatened because they either dont have the same degree of faith and or faithfulness or they dont believe in the Lord God almighty, whom sent his one and only son to come and die on the cross for our sins.

Recently I heard a story whereby a manager / administrator rudely told an athlete to remove an inspirational God inscription from her hand. This inscription stood as a confirmation of her faith, a reminder of why she is competing, a reminder that she is not competing for herself or anyone else BUT rather for the Lord Jesus Christ.

All I can say is guys keep going. Know why and for home you compete as an athlete and as it stands in 1 Corinthians 16 verse 13 "Stand firm in faith".

God bless

Ruan Pienaar & Talent

2008-09-04T05:44:00.001+02:00

Was watching a local TV station's rugby show last night and they profiled Ruan Pienaar a world cup winning Springbok player. Something that stood out for me was the following:

that the heavenly Father has given and blessed him with talents that he needs to use
that it is a priveledge to be able to run out onto the rugby field every weekend
that it is how he plays and uses his talents
and that it is how he stands up every time he gets knocked down that is important.

Amazing to hear this from a young, already well established and well achieved sportsmen. Keep that faith Ruan!

May your faith as a sportsmen be firm and may you praise God for the talents He has blessed you with as a sportsmen and often role model to many!

God Bless

Jesus is King

2008-09-04T05:43:00.001+02:00

Was at a local SA bank the other morning and while i was waiting they had a framed memorabelia of the 2007 Super 14 rugby final between the Sharks and the Blue Bulls where the Bulls won in the final minute.

Part of the framing included pictures of during the game and of the victorous team posing after the game. Situated right in the middle of that picture was Jaco VD Westhuizen not wearing his bulls uniform but rather a white t-shirt with 'Jesus is King' written on the front! Once again it reminded me of the fact and that Sportsmen around the world compete for Jesus! Amazing! Go for it! Spread the word to all ends of the world!
God Bless
SB

Prayer for athletes - Champions for God!

2008-08-28T06:05:00.001+02:00

Last night the various small groups of our church (Eastside Community Church) got together as we are going through a 40 day journey at present and the theme for this week was prayer. At a point Riaan (our Senior Pastor) challenged us all to prayer big because God’s word says we can do so and we can ask him. We were challenged to prayer for something big in our own lives, our families, our church, our communities and our country. But the key was to ask BIG! I could not help but feel that I needed to pray for our athletes. Many have just returned from Beijing Olympics, where according to the press, the public and the individuals whom think they are in the know, the SA team did poorly. Why, well we only received one medal.

Our athletes are being purely measured on medals. They are not being measured on whether they did their best, improved their times, met the objectives they had for the games. No it was all about medals. This is truly sad for me. We as South Africans are such a critical nation. We only want to win, we are not prepared to be “losers”. It just feels as though we are not spending all this energy on the right places. The place where it matters. In a previous posts I referred to various scriptures and I want to highlight a few again.

In Ecclesiates 9 verse 11 it reads “I also saw something else here on earth: The fastest runner does not always win the race, the strongest soldier does not always win the battle, the wisest does not always have food, the smartest does not always become wealthy, and the talented ones does not always receive praise. Tim and chance happen to everyone.”

In 1 Corinthians 9 from verse 24-27 it reads “You know that in a 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 a 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 air. I treat my body hard and make it a slave so that I myself will not be disqualified after I have preached to others.”

My prayer for our athletes and all athletes around the world is that they can become Champions for Christ. That they can learn to love him and learn to fight for the right crown. I know there are many Christian athletes out there, but my prayer is that their faith can shine through. That it can be that sweet smelling aroma that God wants it to be. And that they are not judged on how many medals they won but rather on were they champions for Christ, did they ‘fight’ with a plan or did they just hit the air. Did they use self control and worked hard to achieve the results they did and finally did they do their best, their best for God.

God Bless

Time & Chance

2008-08-21T05:49:00.002+02:00

With the Olympic show moving past the half way mark I enjoy watching the different sports. It astounds me the talent, abilities and precision that these athletes have been blessed with. As the individuals line up to compete the commentators usually refer to who is the favourite to win, who has the best world ranking for the year and what the chances are of the other competitors. On many occasions they are correct in there predictions or the winner and medalists, however there a quite few instances where the favourite is not always the winner! I have said to many an individual that once you are in the final, it is anyone’s race or anyone has a chance to win! I then sit and often wonder why did this person win and not another. Many thoughts go through my mind like, was the winner just better prepared, did the coach and athlete (who was favourite) make a mess of their final planning, did the athlete peak to soon, was the individual that won just more hungry or was this occasion just destined for a specific person!

There are so many variables that play a role in performance and especially performance on a specific day. Did an individual oversleep, or eat the wrong meal, or have equipment problems. Whatever the case may be the disappointment that I think an individual must experience, when they don’t perform like they know they are capable of is enormous. But in God’s word there is a consoling thought and passage. In Ecclesiastes 9 from verse 11 -12 it reads “I also saw something else here on earth: The fastest runner does not always win the race, the strongest soldier does not always win the battle, the wisest does not always have food, the smartest does not always become wealthy, and the talented one does not always receive praise. No one knows what will happen next. Like a fish caught in a net, or a bird caught in a trap, people are trapped by evil when it suddenly falls on them.” The challenge for athletes is to always ensure that you try your best. Do the best you can, whether it is in training or competition. God honours people who give their best and are doing it for the right reasons. Sometimes things don’t work out like we want them to, and that happens. Try and be consoled by the thoughts that ‘I have given my all, I have put everything in that I can, I have used my God given talents to the best of my abilities’ for the sport I have participated in and finally that ‘I have honoured God’ in my quest!

God Bless

Praise the Lord!

2008-08-19T07:19:00.001+02:00

“Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

Over the last period of time it amazes me how we as a family have been blessed. Once again you realise that God is good and great and that His endless love and mercy endures forever for each one of us. We have been blessed abundantly over the now 1 year and 8 months we have been married and over our entire existences. We are blessed with

· Family that loves us

· friends that are firm in faith and that we are able to learn from, and that care for us

· a church that we can call home, where we can grow in our faith

· a cell group where we can share our faith

· a beautiful home, that we can open the doors to friends &families

· jobs that are our passions and are not just another work!

· being able to work with people to try and assist them improving there quality of life

· being blessed by being able to work with athletes that compete at all levels of sport right through to Olympic level

I read this verse from Psalm 106 verse 1 and it just made me realise how blessed we are and that I needed to share this with all.

May you all be blessed as we have been blessed, as we try and walk a closer road with God, as we try and become Gods Champions.

29th Olympiad - the number 8

2008-08-08T08:51:00.002+02:00

Many moons ago the first modern games commenced under the leadership and guidance of Baron Pierre De Coubertin. The revival of the Olympics brought about men competing against one another, fighting for the glory and pride and olive wreath. Today starts the 29^th Modern Olympiad in a place far, far away from Olympia, Beijing China. The opening ceremony commences at 08:08 (PM) in China on the 8^th day of the 8^th month 2008.

The Olympic games is the ultimate multisport event in the world. Where the best of the best compete. Where athletes have the ability to show off their talents, hard work and perseverance that they have had over the last number of years. Many of these athletes have taken between 10 and 16 years to get to this point. Many hours of hard work, planning and preparation has culminated in this point.

The number 8 has significance for the Chinese people however for Christians around the world it signifies new beginnings, moving from the old to the new. So at 08:08 (Chinese Time PM) on this day may we as Christians go into prayer. Prayer for the athletes

· that will be competing at these games and becoming leaders within their countries and communities,

· that they will be able to profess their faith and if they are none believers draw closer to God,

· that this will be the start of new beginnings for me

· that as Christians we are able to celebrate the life that God has given us and the talents he has blessed each one of us, especially the athletes competing.

May these games be a blessing to all and may we all enjoy watching the remarkable feats that these athletes will accomplish.

Alpha & Omega

2008-08-07T05:56:00.002+02:00

Started reading the book of Revelation today. I could not even get past verse 8 and already I see such key elements. Verse 8 is so powerful, powerful because it comes from our Lord God Almighty. It reads “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, who was and who is to come, the Almighty”. Wow, it is just so amazing how God is everything. He is the beginning and the end! What a mighty God we serve.

God Bless All,

Got Resitance? Stick with the Periodisation & Reflect!

2008-08-06T09:53:00.001+02:00

I was preparing for cell for tonight and was going through John 16. We have been going through the book of John over the last period of time. What an awesome book. So many important aspects are brought to life in John and particularly the works of Jesus whilst on earth. It has been amazing to see how He operated whilst on earth, everything with a bigger plan in mind. Just the same as all our Olympians have had a bigger plan, a specific periodisation, so too Jesus Christ had a specific periodisation for his time on earth.

Many key points stood out for me in this chapter however the one that stood out the most was the last verse. Verse 33 reads “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world”. In this chapter Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit coming into the disciples and our lives when he left earth to return to the Father. He champions us in verse 32 where he says “Behold, the hour is coming (referring to his crucifixion), indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone”. He champions the disciples and us to be scattered around the world and to spread his gospel and the tell of him. However like he says in verse 33 that we will have tribulation, things won’t always be plain sailing, but what we can take from all of this is that Jesus overcame the world. He overcame the most difficult and conquered death on the cross. So whatever trials and tribulations we may experience, we need to have heart that He overcame it all and because of his death on the cross for our sins we may live in this world.

This is particularly applicable to the Olympians that start competing in three days. I am sure that over the numerous years of training and preparation for these games they have all experienced difficult times. They have experienced times when they wondered how they would get through the next training sessions, or when they were not sure if they should carry on, or if it was all worth it. But they did and I trust and pray that many of them did it through the strength that God gives them and the fact that he suffered a worse fate for each on of us. For those whom got through situations but don’t believe in God, my prayer is that when they are in Beijing that they would have the time to reflect on the fact that it is through God’s grace that they have managed to be there.

Another verse that stands out for me is from Verse 21 where Jesus refers to the women whom is pregnant and gives birth. Once the baby is born she no longer remembers the pain and anguish of the birth but is happy and delighted with her new child. Just the same many athletes will forget, as they compete, about all that pain and hard work they have put in and some will achieve the success of the medal. I trust that they will reflect on where they have come from and where they have been, the difficult training sessions, the competitions where they did not always perform as they would have liked to, but now be thankful for the strength God gave them and the blessing he gave each one of them with the talents to compete at this level.

Olympians, may this be a games of reflection and honouring of God.

God Bless

No Secrets

2008-08-06T09:05:00.002+02:00

I open the Campus Beeld newspaper (of the Tuks, University of Pretoria) this morning and paged – of course – to the back page, SPORT. A big portion was around the Tuks Rugby winning the prestigious Carlton League final this weekend. The First team, along with many others won their league. The once picture that stood out for me was one of the 1^st team celebrating after their win. With his backed faced to the camera one of the players was no longer wearing his rugby jersey but rather a white t-shirt with the inscription ‘Jesus is Alive’. Once again it showed me that there is a revival happening, that individuals especially sportsmen are becoming more and more willing to share their faith. This is so awesome and inspirational.

It is so exciting for me to see this is happening across the sports and in particular in sports that have credibility within the society. Jesus is Alive and He is alive in the sporting world and He is alive in sportsmen’s lives.

Its never too late, BUT Just Do It!

2008-08-04T18:41:00.005+02:00

I received a really cool and suprising email this last few days. It was from a swimmer that I new previously who stopped comepting over the last 2 years. It was in response to the Gods Champions blog. I trust the individual wont mind - no names - but i have put an snippet from the email in here.

"it seems that God is doing so much with swimming at the moment and making a stand within it. I was always so disappointed in myself that i didnt make more of an impact in other people lives for Christ when I had the chance for so many years, but we all grow and learn from our mistakes. Its so inspiring watching swimmers grow in christ as it has always been viewed from the inside as a sport that is about dedication, but so secular in its persuit of drinking and sex unfortunately. Im writing to you to encourage you in your stand for christ its so awesome that you want to make a difference from the inside..."

This was so inspiring. Guys it is never too late to start and try make a difference and testify to our faith. The important thing is too learn from our mistakes and make that stand. Make that stand now! And dont wait any longer. As mentioned in the email as sportsmen there are opportunities all the time, so seize the moment and Just do it!

Just as the individual encouraged me to to stand for Christ i want to encourage one of you that read this blog to make a stand. If you have not up until now it is not too late, but start! Once again it is encouraging to see what is happening and to the person who emailed thanks for your words.

God bless
SB

PS> 5 days and counting and the whole world goes on a watch the Olympics mode!

God's Blessings

2008-07-29T06:41:00.002+02:00

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.

Prayer for Angus Buchan

2008-07-29T06:11:00.001+02:00

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!

The challenges of a coach

2008-07-28T18:24:00.002+02:00

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

Apology

2008-07-28T06:33:00.002+02:00

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

2008-07-22T07:36:00.002+02:00

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

James - Listening and speaking

2008-07-21T07:26:00.002+02:00

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.

Loftus for Jesus

2008-07-21T07:11:00.001+02:00

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.

Finding Jesus

2008-07-17T05:40:00.004+02:00

It seems even the cyclists have found Jesus!

Living by Faith

2008-07-16T06:36:00.002+02:00

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

2008-07-15T06:48:00.003+02:00

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

Farewell Kelli

2008-07-13T08:58:00.000+02:00

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

2008-07-11T10:39:00.000+02:00

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

2008-07-11T10:30:00.001+02:00

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

2008-07-10T07:32:00.002+02:00

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?

Flames of Fire

2008-07-08T06:35:00.002+02:00

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!

End of the Race

2008-07-04T06:26:00.003+02:00

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

2008-07-03T06:54:00.002+02:00

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

The Ultimate Human Race

2008-06-26T06:31:00.002+02:00

People refer to the Comrades Marathon (89km’s of Running / walking / crawling) as the Ultimate Human race, but is it really? In chatting to Robyn last night about the memory verse for the kids at the Eastside Holiday club for yesterday, she reminded me of the verse in 1 Corinthians 9 Verse 24. It reads “You know that in the race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. So run to win!”

This is so true. As athletes we are on the never ending quest to be the best and ultimately be the winner or Number ONE! But is this really what matters? Is this really what God wants? Well Yes and No! He does want us to run the race and win but He is not necessarily referring to the sporting race BUT rather the race of life. If we read from verse 25-27, this is made clearer. “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). So the question then remains, am I running the race of life to honour God, to respect Him and to do what He has commanded me to do? Am I running it with the vigour and enthusiasm required to achieve the end goal and receive the prize? Am I being the boxer who hits with purpose and not just into the air? Am I treating my body with the discipline required to be an elite athlete and in turn ensure I am not disqualified from the Ultimate Human Race?

So too all of us, the sportsmen and the non, run the race with discipline, focus, goal driven enthusiasm and achieve the ultimate result that we have been set out to achieve.

Running & Winning

2008-06-25T06:22:00.002+02:00

In Phillipians 2 verse 16 it reads ‘You offer the teaching that gives life. So when Christ comes again. I can be happy because my work was not wasted. I ran the race and won’ (NCV)

Link to this verse in Phillipians 3 verse 14 it says ‘I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above’ (NCV)

What an amazing two verses. These are great challenges for us. The challenge of keeping on trying to reach the goal that Christ has set out for me and has called me to, is a challenge we have to lived up to every day and in every interaction we have with others and the work / sport we do. It would be amazing for each one of us to be able to say that (when Christ comes again), that we ran the race and won! This does not imply the physical sporting race but rather the race of life for Christ our Lord and saviour. Does the ‘teaching’ / things I do give life and am I contributing towards this race. Is the work I do, a waste?

So how is my race coming along?

Heart vs Plan

2008-06-23T07:37:00.003+02:00

In Proverbs 16 v 9 it reads “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps”. For the sportsmen, on whatever level we may be competing we find that our heart has a specific desire for our possible achievements or outcomes. The reality of the matter is that the Lord directs our steps. The ultimate plan for our performance rest with Him. What is required of us as athletes is to stick to being wise in our pursuit of sporting achievements.

Well what does being wise mean? For me it entails the following:

Having faith in God’s plan for us and bringing Him into everything we do (whether it is training or competing)
Sticking to the plan that yourself and your coach has set up
Doing the basic smartly and correctly
Honouring God through the use of the talents and body He has blessed you with
Being happy with the fact that you know that you have done everything to the best of your abilities and have stuck to it
Honouring over fellow competitors

So guys be at peace knowing that God has a plan for each one of us, that He will guide our steps (if we believe and have faith in Him) and if it is his will that we will be triumphant.

Games Xplosion

2008-06-22T18:37:00.003+02:00

Starting the 23rd Eastside Community Church is hosting the annual holiday club. This years theme is Games Xplosion and is related around sport and the role that God plays. This is such a great and vitalpart of the young kids lives. Grades 0-7 are involved with various plays, memory verses and great fun.

It was great to see this afternoon how things were coming together with the church hall being transformed into an athletics track, stadium & bearing flags from all countries.

To all the leaders may God's strength and guidance be with you throughout this week and may His love and passion be showed through them.

An Incredible Dad (check out the video at the end)

2008-06-20T11:43:00.002+02:00

An Incredible Dad

Read the inspirational story of Team Hoyt.

What My Father Means To Me

My name is Richard E. Hoyt Jr., and I have cerebral palsy. I cannot speak or walk. To write this story, I'm using a computer with special software. When I move my head slightly, the cursor moves across an alphabet. When it gets to the letter I want, I press a switch at the side of my head.

I am half of Team Hoyt. We are a father-and-son team, and we compete in marathons and triathlons around the world. Our goal is to educate people about how the disabled can lead normal lives. We started racing in 1979. My high school was having a road race to raise money for a lacrosse player who was paralyzed in an accident. I wanted to show this athlete that life can go on, so I asked my dad if he would push me. My wheelchair was not built for racing, but Dad managed to push me the entire 5 miles. We came in next to last, but in the photos of us crossing the finish line, I was smiling from ear to ear!

When we got home, I used my computer to tell Dad, "When I'm running, I feel like my disability disappears!" So we joined a running club, had a special running chair built, and entered our first official race. Many of the athletes didn't want us to participate, but the executive director of the event gave us permission. Soon we were running three races a weekend, and we even did our first double event a 3-mile run and a half-mile swim.

Dad held me by the back of the neck and did the sidestroke for the entire swim. We wanted to run in the Boston Marathon, but we were not allowed to enter because we had not done a qualifying run. So in late 1980, we competed in the Marine Corps Marathon, in Washington, D.C., finishing in 2 hours, 45 minutes. That qualified us for Boston!

A few years later, after a road race in Falmouth, Massachusetts, a man came up to my dad and said, "You are quite an athlete. You should consider a triathlon." Dad said, "Sure, as long as I can do it with Rick." The man just walked away. The next year, the same man said the same thing. Again, Dad said he'd do it, but only with me. This time the man said, "Okay, let's figure out what special equipment you'll need."

So on Father's Day in 1985, we competed in our first triathlon. It included a 10-mile run, during which Dad pushed me; a 1-mile swim, during which Dad pulled me in a life raft with a rope tied around his chest; and a 50-mile bike ride, during which he towed me in a cart behind him. We finished next to last, but we both loved it. Soon after, we did our first Ironman Triathlon. We've now competed in more than 950 races, including 25 Boston Marathons and six Ironmans. During every event, I feel like my disability has disappeared.

People often ask me, "What would you do if you were not disabled?" When I was first asked, I said I'd probably play baseball or hockey. But when I thought about it some more, I realized that I'd tell my father to sit down in my wheelchair so I could push him. If it weren't for him, I'd probably be living in a home for people with disabilities. He is not just my arms and legs. He's my inspiration, the person who allows me to live my life to the fullest and inspire others to do the same.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. And thank you.

(To learn more about Team Hoyt, visit http://www.teamhoyt.com/index.html.)

http://godsstory.3story.org/stories/post/2008/06/16/a_great_father_-_son_relationship

Here's a link to a Godtube video on the two men. Absolutely amazing:

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

Deuteronomy 1:29-31: "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place."

God Bless

Byron

Comrades Marathon

2008-06-17T06:48:00.005+02:00

This weekend (Sunday the 15th of June to be precise), was the the running of the Comrades Marathon. Man I really have not worked out quite what would 'drive' a person to do this. One guy was running and completed his 43rd marathon. You do the maths (43 x 89km). That is like running from Pretoria to Port Elizabeth 3 x. that does not even include all the thousands of km's training. Anyway, i was fortunate enough to be able to go to Durban and witness this event, most of it on the back of a motor bike.

It was amazing for me to the number of people running with banners and t-shirts proclaiming Gods love and strength in their lives.

As I said I spent most of the race on the back of a motor bike. What was really cool was that the biker guys were Christian bikers. The whole day I had their 'Motto' verse running through my head.
Hebrews 4 v 12. So what did it say. Well when i got back to the hotel i quickly checked it out and this is what it said "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of my soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Verse 13 is also special so I read it to "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (ESV).

Once again an amazing verse. The word of God is living, and this is encouraging to think that the Bible is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago and it will be until the ends of time. The word of God gets to the point of the matter, to the deepest roots of our existence. It is the challenge for us to live by it and to use it as our Blue Print of life.

As for Verse 13 it is encouraging and challenging to think that everything we do, feel, say and believe is visible to God. We are all Naked & Exposed to Him. the final challenge is that we will all one day give account for our lives, actions, thoughts and interactions and that none of it will be hidden. So in everything we do lets keep ourselves firmly focused on Him and go to God for our source of strength and direction.

SB

Ricardo Katza & the UEFA Champions League Final

2008-06-17T06:31:00.005+02:00

Our church (Eastside Community Church), along with Ambassadors in Sport, hosted a viewing of the UEFA Champions league final between Manchester United and Chelsea on the evening of the final. This was held at the Church, outside (man it was freezing), and they invited Ricardo to come to the game and watch along with share his testimony. This was a mere 3 days after Supersport United had won the PSL championships.

During the half time interval Ricardo shared his testimony of faith and how God had a hand in his career all the way. It was amazing to hear his life story and how he had to boldly stand up against family when he became a Christian.

He truly believes that God has a plan for his life, has directed his life accordingly and in turn protected him throughout his career so far.

Ricardo, keep going!!!

SB

Sportsmen Showing their Faith

2008-06-17T06:10:00.006+02:00

Over the last month i have been pleased and amazed to see high profile sportsmen from high profile sports publicly displaying their beliefs. On two occasions within the period of two weeks I saw two sportsmen wearing t-shirts displaying their love for God.

In the first instance, in the sports section of a local publication in Pretoria, RSA, I saw one of the Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup) team members, after winning this prestigious competition for developing of young rugby talent in South Africa, wearing a t-shirt (at the trophy handing over ceremony) with the inscription Acts 1 v 8. This fascinated me and lead me to go upstairs and check what the verse said. It read "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (ESV).

What a challenging and inspiring verse. The fact that we as people can receive power from God when the Holy Spirit has come upon us is truly promising and amazing. The real challenge is then to live up to the second part of this verse, to be God's witnesses to the ends fo the earth. Where ever we go to be His witness and to testify of Him and His grace, passion and enduring love for us.

I believe this verse is so applicable to the sports men and women. They truly do often travel to the 'ends of the earth' in their sporting quests. What an opportunity they have to be the testament of faith.

In the second scenario I was watchign the final match of the local soccer PSL tournament. If SuperSport United drew the match they woudl win their innagural domestic football championships. Which they did and after the game the PSL proceeded to hand of the winning teams cheque and the trophy. This was all broadcast live on TV and when they were receiving their trophy I saw that their Captain Ricardo Katza was wearing a different t-shirt and reading it said ("Jesus is Alive"). Once again amazing how he was bold enough to wear this esepcially considering he is the captain and secondly that he was not wearign the club outfit and sponsors logo. Bold yes, but strong for Jesus!

SB

Tuks Swimmers

2008-06-13T06:45:00.001+02:00

I have been inspired by the faith of some of our Tuks swimmers and in particular their willingness to honour God through their efforts in the Pool and when they are in their personal lives. It has brought a tear to my eye to see them profess their faith either when they were competing to be qualify for the Olympic games (in April, in Durban SA) or back at home base at the pool.

A few in particular have really stood out for me. Suzaan Van Biljon and Lize-Marie Retief whom were vocal about their faith and strength from God both at these championships and at the World Short Course, where Lize achieved a very respectable 5th place and Suzaan a Gold in the 200m Breaststroke & Bronze on the 100m Breaststroke. There they were not afraid to tell the world why they are swimming well and who is providing their strength.

Byron Ferguson also stands out for me and in particular the efforts he is making with the younger swimmers. Unfortuantely Byron narrowly missed qualification for Beijing but the improvements he made at the Trails is phenomenal. The initiating of prayer time at nationals and the launching of 'Tuks Men For Jesus' along with swimming friend Fouche' Venter has been awesome.

Well done Guys, i truly believe that your hearts are in the right place.