God’s Great Game Plan

God’s Great Game Plan

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”  Colossians 4:2

On this Saturday, many college football teams across the nation will prepare for a gridiron battle.  However, greater battles of a spiritual vein are occurring in a less visible arena.  As you read these familiar terms from the football scope, may that prompt us to grow closer to Christ.  Here are a few ways to pray today:

Guard:  A member of the offensive line. There are two guards on every play, and they line up on either side of the offensive center.

Prayer:  I claim the verse in Proverbs, “Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.”  Lord, be the guard and gatekeeper of my heart and increase in me an awareness that I have been called to partner with you in making decisions toward healing and wholeness in every part of my life.  As I realize my weakness, your strength comes in. Thank you Holy Spirit that you are with me.

Hand Check:  Legal defensive back or player technique used to obstruct or adjust a player’s motion.

Prayer: Psalm 24:3, 4 (NIV) says, “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?  Who may stand in His holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.”  Father, do a hand check on me today.  Make sure that any soiling or bloodying is purified by the powerful blood of Jesus.

Home Field Advantage: The benefit a team gets by playing games in its own stadium.

Prayer: Father, help me to be a tempo setter in my household.  If there are times it becomes a place of opposition, I pray that you would help me bring change.  I want to be a “thermostat” that sets the temperature rather than a “thermometer” that simply reads the temperature. Make my home a place where you dwell and you give us an advantage.  Joshua 24 says, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Huddle:  When the 11 players on the field from one team form a group to discuss the upcoming play.

Prayer:  Hebrews says, “Forsake not the gathering of believers.”  I recommit to the importance of small huddles with friends with whom I can play and pray;  as well as large huddles at church,  where I can be a blessing and be blessed.  Remind me Lord that while I go to church to hear Your Word and worship, I go to make a difference in others people’s lives.   Thank you for keeping that before me.

Intentional Grounding: The quarterback, while he is still in the area between the tackles, purposely throwing the ball out of bounds or into the ground to avoid taking a sack.

Prayer:  This week, my prayer is that I would be able to get on my knees or lie prostrate before You that I would remember that I am submitted to you in every aspect of my life.  When I humble myself in Your sight, you increase and I must decrease.  You are exalted and others are drawn to you.  Help me to hold then posture both literally and figuratively in my heart in all that I do, because only You are worthy of my praise.

Out of Bounds:  The area touching or outside the sidelines and end line.

Prayer:  Lord, forgive me where I forget that you have given me your Words of life to avoid stepping out of bounds.  Give me a new mind to see that your Spirit, Your Scriptures, and Your Salvation have been offered to keep me in the game.  I don’t want to find my life removing me from playing time, but staying in bounds to experience all that you have for me.  Where I have stepped out of bounds with my words, cause me to make amends. Where I have stepped out bounds through my thoughts, bring me back in the game.

Pass:  Throwing the ball so that it ends up further downfield than it started. Prayer:  The un-offended life is a fulfilling life.  Lord, help me to learn to let things go.  We live in a world that is obsessed with respect.   Even those times where people don’t give me what I want, I will resist the temptation to react and will pass those offenses onto You. 

Whether guarding, hand checking, experiencing your home field advantage, huddling, or more, let Christ make us more into His image.

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)    Where are you going to huddle to celebrate Christ this weekend?

2)    Ask Him to “guard” your heart today.

Copyright 2015- Terry Risser

Get Your “Prayer” Game On!

Get Your “Prayer” Game On!

“And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God..”  Luke 6:12

Over 50 times in the Bible, sports are referenced and the analogy generally translates greatly into our spiritual walk.  Paul talks about “running the race” and “finishing the course.”   It is true in football too.  From Thursday (yesterday) to Monday, we are giving quick prayers that can remind us of our faith and how we can fulfill His call for our lives.  Consider praying these simple prayers as we look at some famous terms used:

Crossbar: The bar at the base of the field goal which holds the uprights.

Prayer:  Lord, in Exodus 26:28, the Bible says, “The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames.”  Thank you for the ultimate crossbar on which you hung to remove my guilt and shame.  I thank you for your faithfulness.

Cut Back:  A sudden change in direction.

Prayer:  I ask your forgiveness for areas I need cleansed.  David prayed in Psalm 51, “Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.”  Wash me clean and let me experience your grace and joy.

Defense:  The unit that is responsible for keeping the opposition out of their end zone.

Prayer:  Help me to stand as a “watchman at the gate” who would keep my home, personal life and family clean from the invasion of the media and television that threatens to contaminate our lives. Give me wisdom to know what pleases you and what is not of You.

Eligible Receiver: One of several designated offensive players on the field that is authorized to catch a pass, as opposed to those offensive players (generally linemen) who cannot.

Prayer:  I am grateful that you have made me eligible to receive your grace. 

1 Peter says, “Once I did not have mercy but now I do.”  Thank you for your salvation, restoration, and hope of eternity.

Encroachment:  A foul in which a defender makes contact with a member of the offense before the snap.

Prayer:  Forgive me for an offensive word or an unkind action that I showed to my spouse, child, neighbor or co-worker.  Release me and help me to take a step toward rectifying the situation.

Face Mask: The bars attached to a football helmet that covers a player’s face.

Prayer:  I want to be real rather than fake today. Please remove any “facemask” that I hold.  InLuke 12: 1,2, you said, “You can't hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the maskwill slip and your true face will be known.” (Message).  I open my heart and life to you, to expose the false, for true living.  

Forward Progress:  The location to which a ball carrier's forward momentum carries him before he is tackled.

Prayer:  Lord, while I know I’m not what I want to be, I thank you that I’m not what I used to be.  Though I sometimes takes two steps back, I’m grateful for the three steps forward that you are allowing me to take in my relationship with you.  Thank you for giving me strength this year in many areas including: (name an area).

Foul:  Any violation of a playing rule.

Prayer:  Lord, you share in Ephesians 4:29 that we need to “Watch the way you talk. Let nothingfoul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word, a gift.”  Forgive me when I’m tempted to see what I can get “away with” rather than seeing what I can get “away from.”  Cleanse me and give me wisdom to know those things that are from you and those things that are not, including dirty jokes, negative comments, or filling my mind with things that bring harm.

From crossbars to fouls, God is willing to strengthen us, change us, and use us for His purposes.  Now you are ready to get your “Game On’ for whatever comes your way!

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)    What does the “Ultimate Crossbar” mean to you today?

2)    How has the cross taken your “minuses” and turned them into  “pluses?”

Copyright 2015- Terry Risser

Are You Ready For Some “Power Prayers”?

Are You Ready For Some “Power Prayers”?

“Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.” Psalm 86:6

As football season is in full stride, I wanted to pass along a few terms I wrote down a few years ago to describe how often the game can translate into faith.  Over the next few days, I will use football terms to prompt several ways to pray as you go through you day.  See if they don’t apply to your life:

Audible: Changing a play at the line of scrimmage by calling out a pre-determined set of signals.

Prayer: Lord, if you reveal the audibles you want for my life and make a change in my agenda and plans today, I am open to hear what you want to speak.  Help me to see and hear what you are saying, the people that you want me to see or help, the encounters you desire that I have.  May I be like Jesus who was always ready to do your will in helping and healing those around Him.

Blindside: The side opposite the direction a player is facing.

Prayer: Jesus, the enemy is out to blindside me.  His “schemes” and plans are to catch me off guard through temptations and traps that stop me in your game plan.  Help me to see what he is doing and remind me that “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.”

Carry: The act of running with the ball. In a game's box score, a runner's rushing attempts are listed as carries.

Prayer: Ask your opponent how you can pray for them. “Jesus, the Bible says to “carry one another’s burdens.”  Strengthen (name) with your power today. 

Comeback: When a team is behind at the end of a game and scores a touchdown or field goal to move ahead.  Also refers to a pass route in which the receiver breaks back toward the line of scrimmage, usually to the outside.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the “Ultimate Comeback” that you made through your death and resurrection.  You shared how you came not to be served but to serve and give your life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) While your main plan was to die for my sins, your greater plan was to rise again as I can now find victory over sin, death, hell, bondages, and any challenge of life.  Though I may feel a setback at different times, you have made comebacks possible for me.

Completion: A forward pass that is caught by an eligible receiver.

Prayer: I thank you for Philippians 1:6 which says, “He who began a good work in you will be able to complete it.” Your completion rating is perfect in that you have worked in my life to handle situations of the past and you are going to help me complete the race you have called me to run.

Count: The numbers that a quarterback shouts loudly while waiting for the ball to be snapped.

Prayer: Lord, I will “count” my blessings as you have given me: 1) A relationship with you.  2) A relationship with family.  3) A relationship with wonderful friends.

Thank you for these and so many more provisions in my life.

Coverage: Offensive or Defensive strategy calls to assign an individual or group of players to particular opponents for play progress.

Prayer: Lord, as we read in Psalm 32:1, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”  Thank you that you have covered and removed my sins: past, present and future.  What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Conversion: When a team that just scored a touchdown kicks a field goal for an extra point or starts a play at the opponent’s 2-yard line (3-yard line in college) and crosses the goal line to earn 2 points; when successful, it looks just like a touchdown; introduced to the NFL in 1994.

Prayer:  Lord, there are many of my friends and family who do not have a personal relationship with you.   I pray that they would convert to you.  Just like the Apostle Paul who was once not for you and came to know you, I ask that you would give me an open door this week to minister to them by showing your grace, your words and your life in me. I desire to see many “conversions” to you.

Down:  A play, starting when the ball is put into play and ending when the ball is ruled dead. Basically, a down is one play.

Prayer:  When I am down, I ask that you would give me the ability to turn my focus to you and “encourage myself in you.” (1 Samuel 30:6) I am going to put my hope in God no matter what comes my way.

Audibles, blindside, carries, comeback, completions, count, coverage, conversion and downs.  As many understandably focus their attention toward their favorite teams this weekend, take time to say these prayers to move us to the greatest power available to us…the power of prayer.

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)   Which of these prayers most describes you today?

2)   Who is one person you might direct your prayer toward?

Copyright 2015- Terry Risser

The Breakthrough of Prayer

The Breakthrough of Prayer

“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42

John Sanford, in his book,The Kingdom Within, tells about a well at a farm house where his family spent their summers. Though the well had been a good one, they discontinued using it when a community water system was installed. Some years later, someone decided to draw some water from the old well. Much to their surprise they discovered that it was dry. That seemed puzzling. It had always provided them with plenty of water in the past. Why after years of disuse should it be dry? The answer they discovered was that the well had been fed by hundreds of tiny rivulets. When water was drawn out of the well, it was refilled by water flowing through those tiny openings. After years of disuse, however, the tiny rivulets had become stopped up. The well had dried up not because there was no water, but because the well had fallen into disuse.

Obviously there is a parallel here to the devotional life of a Christian. When we fall out of the habit of daily communication with God, there is a clogging of the channel ways, as it were. The distressing thing is that this clogging of the spiritual arteries is happening to more and more Christians. We are not the praying people we once were and the effect of that neglect can be seen in our homes, in our community and in our church.

One of President Reagan’s favorite stories is the one about the minister’s son who was taken out camping one day. His companion warned him not to stray too far from the campfire because the woods were full of wild beasts of all kinds. The young boy had every intention, really, of following that advice but inevitably he was drawn by curiosity and wandered farther and farther from the fire. Suddenly, he found himself face to face with a very large and powerful looking bear. He saw no means of escape, and seeing the bear advance rather menacingly towards him, the minister’s son did what he had been taught to do. He knelt down to pray for deliverance. He closed his eyes tightly, but opened them a few moments later and was delighted to see that the bear was also kneeling in prayer right in front of him. He said, "Oh, bear, isn’t  this wonderful! Here we are with such different view points and such different lives and such different perceptions of life and we’re both praying to the same Lord."  The bear said, "Son, I don t know about you, but I’m saying grace."

I know what many of you are thinking: Where can I find the time? Many of you sympathize with poor Martha frantically hurrying about the house, serving the food, making certain that all of the guests are comfortable, while her sister Mary sits spellbound at the feet of Jesus. "Lord, don’t you care," says Martha to Jesus, "That my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to come help me.  Jesus’ response was not to downplay the importance of what she was doing, but to up-play the importance of prayer.
I want to list a few things that suggest the importance of prayer in our lives. Nothing in our lives is quite so vital.

1.   First, prayer is the most potent power source available to us:

Evelyn Christenson shares how living life without prayer to vacuuming a whole room and not having the vacuum cleaner plugged into the wall socket. She writes, "We work, we pull, we struggle, we plan until we are utterly exhausted, but we forget to plug into the source of our power." You will remember that Martin Luther said that when his day was packed with appointments and other duties, he found it necessary to spend an extra hour in prayer. It is when our lives are a whirlwind of activity that we most need to take time out to commune with God. "Ten minutes spent in Christ’s presence every day," wrote Henry Drummond, one of the world’s premiere scholars and intellects, "Aye, two minutes, will make the whole day different." Bishop Wescott put it this way, "Prayer is opening up the floodgates to the mighty ocean of God."
That is true of all of us. The really tired part is on the inside. That is the first reason why we must take time to pray. Prayer is the most potent power source available to us.

2.   Second, prayer helps us keep our priorities in order:

Can you see how helpful it might be to you, to spend a few moments each day alone with God, going over the day’s demands and asking the question, "What is it that I need to do today that is really of utmost importance?"  Do you see the practical value in what I am saying?  I hope so. I encounter so many people who are so fatigued and so frustrated, and the problem is right here.  We have neglected our power source and our priorities are out of order.

3.  Thirdly, prayer gives us an inner strength to deal with challenges:

When we pray, we develop the internal core that supersedes and outlasts the outer pressures that come our way.

You and I must take time to pray. Prayer is the key that unlocks the awesome power of God in our lives. Prayer helps us put our priorities in order. Prayer makes it possible for us to face up to our problems, to persevere until that day when God gives us victory over them. You don’t have time to pray? Think again. As busy as our lives are nowadays, who can afford not to pray?

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)   How does prayer make you feel?

2)   Do you agree or disagree that it results in the three areas mentioned?

Copyright 2015- Terry Risser

In The Name Of Love

In The Name Of Love

Born in 1960, few knew that Paul David Hewson, today recognized by his stage name “Bono Vox,” would reach the international acclaim he has gained with his group U2. Born of a Protestant father and a Catholic mother, there was something about his upbringing that would later mold his music and message.  Since the 1980’s, U2 has remained in the forefront of both the charts and popularity around the world.

While a case could be made to promote some favorites of bygone eras including the Mills Brothers, the Drifters, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Creed, Matchbox 20, or any others you might mention; like few others, U2 has used its prowess to intervene in famines in Africa to endorse world peace.

Greater still, Bono not only takes an unconventional approach on subjects, he carries an unusual message as to how people’s lives are changed.

In his book Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assaya, the lead singer and songwriter for the rock group makes an explicit confession of faith.  While many may argue nuances and minutia, there is a grasp of truth.

“It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between grace and karma.”

Since saying that the idea of karma is central to all religions, Bono explained, “What you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics - in physical laws - every action is met by an equal or an opposite one.  It’s clear to me that karma is at the very heart of the universe.

I’m absolutely sure of it.  And yet, along comes this idea called grace to upend all that ‘as you reap, so you will sow’ stuff.  Grace defies reason and logic.  Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff…

It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for grace.  I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins upon the cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.”

To whatever degree you appreciate today’s music and bands, you have to value Bono’s definition of grace that supersedes the world’s idea of karma.  Over 200 years ago, another music legend, John Newton, shared the timeless idea of God’s “Amazing Grace” that is available to each person.

Then almost 2000 years ago, Paul wrote, “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works; so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2;8,9 (NIV).  That’s great news…from the sacrifice of One Man who came in the name of love.

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)   What impacts you about this definition of grace?

2)   What mistakes have you made that God wants to offer fresh grace for today?

Copyright 2015- Terry Risser

When Fear Is Not A Factor

When Fear Is Not A Factor

”There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.” 1 John 4:18

With the 2014 Winter Olympics at full speed, so begins the challenge of keeping America’s interest in these “Frostbitten Festivities.”  You see, for the most part, the people of Sochi, Austria, Iceland, and the Antarctica have anticipated these toe-numbing and spine tingling spectaculars since the 2010 Games went off the air.

However, that’s not necessarily so with parts of America and especially from SoCal.  We are cut out of a different swath.  Our idea of cold weather is clouds and a Santa Ana wind.  With all the Winter “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Higher, Stronger, Faster)…we’d just as soon have Summer “Surfus, Sunnus, and Shinus” (no translation necessary).

But one thing is for sure…whether you are a fan of the Games or not, these athletes are fearless.  The Winter Olympics are Fear Factor meets the circus trapeze and that has often been enough to overcome the apathy barrier.  While the Summer Olympics always has it share of hamstring pulls and pummel horse falls, at the Winter Olympics, we’re talking bullet train rides, high flying stunts, and crashes that make your head spin.

The Winter Olympics is about three main things…speed, speed, and speed.  When you consider events such as downhill skiing, these racers are moving at a clip of up to 90 miles per hour.  Many people are afraid to do that in their cars on an open highway, let alone a hard-packed sheet of ice that can instantaneously put them in the E.R. (and not the old George Clooney kind).

To boot, Sports Illustrated revealed that from 1975 to date, every American skier who medaled at the Olympics (with one exception) has torn the critical ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).  Fear strikes in many ways.  Sometimes they pertain to a “phobia” (New Testament word for “fear”) such as heights (acrophobia), close places (claustrophobia), and water (hydrophobia).  Other times they might involved giants that we face in a relationship, a physical challenge, financial difficulty, or a child that is walking through a hard season.  Whatever the cases, they can be handled with courage because we know we never handle them alone. 

I can’t help but believe that all God’s people in the Hebrews Hall of Faith had a little bit of “Thrill Seeker” in them.

-Joshua and Caleb were not concerned about their giants because they knew that God was great.  (Numbers 13:36-14:9)

-David entered his own brand of games when he took on Goliath, experiencing a “Gold Medal” round in slinging and sword-wielding. (1 Samuel 17:32-58)

-An aging Apostle John wrote in 1 John 4:18, “There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.”

Did you catch that?  Fear is crippling (and might even cause an ACL tear), but a love for God banishes it.  There are no greater fears than death and judgment, but in Christ, it turns a mountain into a molehill.  Now I can sure get into that.

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)   What is your greatest fear and anxiety as of today?

2)   Take time to turn your focus on a love for Christ and see if He doesn’t build your faith over fear.

 Consider reading the Word today:

Copyright 2015 - Terry Risser

Showboating and Snowboarding

Showboating and Snowboarding

”First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.” Proverbs 16:18

Well, sports fans…the Ice Age has begun!  While some are anticipating the triple-digit temperatures (110-118 F- degrees) of Soccer’s World Cup this Summer, others are going to watch the good ol’ thermostats drop to single-digit for the Winter Olympics this weekend.  Talk about “Extreme Games.” With last night’s 2014 Winter Olympic’s Opening Ceremonies, it seems best to watch them on television with a hot chocolate and marshmallows as you take in the Winter Wonderland of Sochi.  As you do, the broadcasts will cause complete sports strangers become best friends and familiar household names. 

Remember a few years ago when we watched slalom skier “Picabo” (Pee-Ka-Boo) Street.  While some claimed she had a hospital wing named after her during a stint in the Intensive Care Unit, there was no merit to speculation about a place called “Picabo…I.C.U.”   Now, of course, a newcomer on the scene, Ted Ligety, will see how fast his split times (the split time is the time taken to complete an initial distance in a longer event) which makes it the first time in Olympic history a racer will come by “Ligety Split.”  Many years of discipline, training, and perseverance have brought them to this stage of life.  But beware of the dangers that lurk.  Complete focus is the only sure-fire antidote to the most savvy veteran.

One of the more memorable moments of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games came in the Gold Medal race of a brand new event called “Snowboard Cross.” It’s like a motocross event with multiple racers going at one time over a treacherous course filled with obstacles – only the racers are on snowboards. In the Gold Medal race, American Lindsey Jacobellis started out with 3 other racers. By the midpoint of the race, Jacobellis was alone, far in front, having escaped a crash that took out 2 of the 4 racers and delayed a third. As she had the finish line in sight, she reached the second to last jump. She was so far in front you couldn’t even see the 2nd place racer. So, she did something she’ll regret for a long time. She decided to do a little showboating, and grabbed her board in mid air and did a little squiggle in midair. Unfortunately, this little act of showmanship caused her to lose her balance. She crashed on her landing, and as she was struggling to get back up, Switzerland’s Tanja Frieden raced past her to claim to the Gold Medal. Jacobellis later gave this simple explanation for her behavior saying, "I was caught up in the moment." That is the problem, isn’t it? When we get caught up in the moment and quit focusing on the task ahead.

Lindsey Jacobellis had one temporary lapse that led to a giant “collapse.” For just a moment, the enticement of a “showboating move” caused her a missed Gold Medal. The crash would be a lifetime lesson for her and for all who would watch, that you can never let overconfidence rule your life…or you too can crash in the final moment.

Proverbs 16:18 famously states, “Pride comes before the fall.” We must be on our guard not to capitulate to self-confidence, but lean on humility.  In the race of life, there are moments where we can let down our guard. Temptations, pride, attitudes, and diverting paths can all lead to a fall.  Whether short-term Christian or long-timer, we all can fall prey to the “pride monster.”  Concentrate on keeping your focus throughout your “game” and take a humble approach even when the deal is sealed. Failure can happen at the most inopportune time…it can happen in a “Lickety-Split.”

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)   Can you recall a time that you fell to temptation because you let your guard down?

2)   Ask the Lord to point out where you are most susceptible to pride (marriage, parenting, work, etc.) and request His strength to be ready when it comes?

Consider reading the Word today:

Copyright 2015 - Terry Risser