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| Bump, set, pray!! |
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Our team, “Roman’s Rebels”, is 0-12 thus far, and the more I see, the less I expect to win. I am the “coach”, though I use that term loosely. My true role on the team isn’t to foster top notch skills, or to whip the team into winning form, or even to develop clever strategies to beat teams better than us. If the coach was expected to do that, they wouldn’t have chosen me! (I keep telling myself that, it brings me comfort.)
On the contrary, my role thus far has been to encourage an inexperienced coed team of Christians in a secular volleyball league. Our mission, believe it or not, isn’t to win games as much as it is to proclaim Christ. At least, this attitude hasn’t gotten me fired yet, so I assume I’m in line by stating it.
This past week we played our best match yet. No, we didn’t win a single game. But our attitudes were awesome! Our approach to the game was worshipful—expressing God’s worthiness, glory, and lordship. Through our actions, continually putting forth our best efforts, patting each other on the back and high fiving often. Through our frequent words of affirmation and encouragement. Through our joy despite our mistakes and the mistakes of teammates. Through our love for one another, the ref, and the members of the other team, etc. It was the best time I’ve ever had losing!
Before the start of the match, we read Isaiah 40:27-31, ending with...
40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; the will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Did God promise supernatural strength and power to achieve victory in every circumstance? I doubt it, or our volleyball team, which prays faithfully before every match, would not be winless. Rather, it seems God promises supernatural strength and power within our circumstances! In our case, God has given us the strength to display Christ’s character in the midst of loss after loss. Of course the teams we’re playing are always joyous, it’s easy for them ‘cuz they’re beating the heck out of us!!! Our hope is that they will look through the net and see us, every bit as joyful as they, even in the midst of what looks like defeat. Proclaiming Christ, loud 'n clear!
ps... The application of this definitely extends way beyond the volleyball court! God promises us strength to soar and run in the midst of all the "defeats" of life! These are the greatest testimonies, too!
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| To add a comment to "Bump, set, pray!!" |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Knock It Out of the ball park for Jesus!! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Great blog, Mike. The very last line is the most powerful to me, because it's been so true in my life - these ARE the greatest testimonies! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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Through ALL of the trials and tribulations that life throws your way - remain joyful, humble and thankful.... It is not in the winning but HOW you approach the game..... Your strength is on the inside and it shows in how you handle the losses, yet you really haven't loss (HAVE YOU?).....
Bless you brother |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Good one mike (Even if you lost every game!) "You have one in the site of God!" |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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wonderful blog Mike. Thank you. macthing serenity with calmity is one amazing gift from our loving Father.Special blessings to you and yours. |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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hehe, Mary, would you like to be our new coach? You'd be AWESOME!! Tina, wow, thanks sis. That is the most stars we've ever rec'd for one blog! Your praise is extra special, my faithful sister. Cher and Keith, LOL!!!! Ain't it the truth Carol. We don't realize or feel like we're establishing a testimony or glorifying God...but the patient will prevail! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Thanks for the invite Mike, however I have to coach my little ones here... You're doing an awesome job just by being you... Have fun |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Knock it out of the park with this one and it sure is a good one, that is for sure. |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| :) That is too cool. I hate volleyball but you make me want to play on your team. :) |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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WOW!! God promises supernatural strength and power within our circumstances!
Words of wisdom.... God is soooooo Good!! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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Would love it if you could join us, Debora. Except the team is "full" :-( We do have fun though...that's what glorifyin' the Lord'll do! Cheryl from GA....glad you see the powerful message in a lighthearted wrapper! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Thanks "Hoppy" ;-) |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| I loved this blog and the analogy...it was great....In Christ, we are always winners ;o) |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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I got it!! Your giving THEM wins so that they see your attitudes and listen to your witness!
Is it working?? |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| (I would love to lose with you btw) |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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Mike-Thank You for sharing this I really needed the Isaiah verse today
God Bless You :) |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Bubbles....*sigh* I only wish that were the case.... (giving them the wins that is) They are definitely seeing Christ. Is it changing them, or really registering in their spirits? I hope! ps... We'd love having you on the team too! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Ahhh> volleyball and Jesus: two things I know something about. Those were our daughter's consuming passions. We didn't coach but we encouraged ... and warmed the bench ... and travelled with her and did all that again and again and again, year after year, through junior high and into college. So many parents (and some coaches) discouraged their kids, demanding their idea of perfect performance from their child. I'm glad your team is different. Way to go, Mike! YEAH team: bump, set, pray! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Cathy C., bless you, and be encouraged! In Christ, you can do "all things"....all those things God calls you to do, including be joyful (1 Thess 5:16) |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Warmed the bench? Oh Jay, encouragers warm the HEART!!!! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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Our hope is that they will look through the net and see us, every bit as joyful as they, even in the midst of what looks like defeat. Proclaiming Christ, loud 'n clear! so awesome, a testimony that I can use in daily life challenges.
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Mike, why is that win-less teams always preach that is not about winning but about playing and having fun, LOL Just messing with you. I commend you for your joyful attitude and for using sports as an opportunity to foster camaraderie and to spread love to all men and women as well as the Word of God. |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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Mike, Its time for the old "win one for the gipper" speech. Do you know it? Hehe. In his name brother. Have fun. |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Mike come and coach my wheelchair basketball team "Sheffield Steelers" we need help mate! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Losing is good for our character that is for sure. That is why I am such a winner today LOL! 2 years my college basketball team went winless and lost once by 100 points to Palm Beach Atlantic. Any way, I always have had a hard time in praying for victory especially when we were playing other Christian schools. So would that mean God was not with them? LOL Paul told us to be content in whatever state we are in whether winning (abounding) or losing (poverty) that important thing as in all things in life is whatever we do in word or deed do all things in the name of Jesus Christ. Bringing glory to Him. Keep it up, coach, keep focusing on what is important. Attitude, Effort, then excecution! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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Todd, dude, you lost to Palm Beach Atlantic?? You were bad! (joking, I don't even know who that is!) "Attitude, Effort, then excecution!" Hey man, can I use that? hehe Stu...man, are you on a basketball team? So cool!! Have you won yet? Surely there MUST be a Christian team somewhere with a winning record, LOL!!!! (ps... I'm pretty good at volleyball, but basketball was always my worst sport. It's not that I can't jump, I just don't have an eye for the basket! Once it took me 4 tries to make a layup!!!!!!!) |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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Jerry, somehow I don't think that speech will work for us. :-0 It might take the Gipper HIMSELF!! Caleb, winless teams preach, cause there isn't much purpose otherwise!!!!!!!!! LOL Thanks Darla!! Thanks Cathy C!!! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| amen amen amen amen and i love what bubbles and mike n laura and brother todd and jerry and steelhorse and prayeransweringod and cathy and i love u all and i've been in soccer and just to be nice and sweet and loving and caring like christians and believers should be we used too let them win sometimes and sometimes not ya know what i mean we didn't really wanna look that bad and our reputation to go out the door and to look at us as losers ya know what i mean cuz like at that age u don't wanna look like losers u wanna look like a whole bunch of winners yeah whoooooohoooooooo |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| I like this! I like volleyball, too. 'Used to be a decent player. Not so much anymore -- so I might fit well on your team. ;) I salute your team's effort and focus. I pray for outreach opportunities to be cultivated in the hearts of people. |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Mike... I just read thru the comments. For once, there were no arguements. Amen! |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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You won because you played. you only lost because of the rules of the game......
I'm glad you had a good time. |
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| October 03, 2008 |
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| Mike, I love to read your blogs. You are a blessing and encouragement to so many people. I love volleyball(definitely a blessing to be tall) and I love even more when people play and show Christ in them, win or lose. Your team is full of winners! |
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| October 04, 2008 |
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Joey, do I inspire people to argue? :-) Terry, thank you for pointing out the technicalities! :-) Mindi, YOU are encouraging, and there is most definitely a place on our team for YOU!!! (Thanks for your comment!) |
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| October 04, 2008 |
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Jen, maybe if we had you we might actually win a game or two? rebekah, you are a sweet person....bet you would have fun with us too! |
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| October 04, 2008 |
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| Great blog bro. |
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| October 04, 2008 |
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| This says it all..."it seems God promises supernatural strength and power within our circumstances". So true, and we just need to remember that! |
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| October 04, 2008 |
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Deb....perhaps that's the greatest promise of all, that he stays with us, never leaving us, and giving us what we really need, in every circumstance. :-)
Pastor Dave....thanks! |
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| October 05, 2008 |
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Thanks Mike I smiled big when i read --God promises us strength to soar and run in the midst of all the "defeats" of life!
Amen to that brother!!
My husband and I coached our sons baseball team when they were little.
My husband enjoyed teaching those kids who had no clue and watching them as they grew, and taught them it isnt about winning the game it is about improving your attitude and how you react. He won father of the year , it was in the paper how he helped kids from fatherless homes and helped them battle selfawarness in themselves. Anyways I have it hanging on my wall and what u just talked about made m think of that and smile so brightly!
We cant go wrong if we put the Lord above all else!
Thanks again Mike!
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| October 05, 2008 |
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Donna, I feel as though you definitely DO put the Lord above all else, at least I know you seek to do so. I admire your husband greatly, and I've n ever even met him! Thanks for another great post, sister. (Cool, love the vball playing smiley!) |
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| October 06, 2008 |
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| Okey dokey, let's make that 0-15 now..... |
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| October 06, 2008 |
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Phil 3:7-8 says what what we need to hear in times like this: But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord... |
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| October 07, 2008 |
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| PT, you can identify! Every game now, I encourage the team by reading from scripture. This past week I read the passage by Paul, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of know Christ Jesus..." It was appropriate! |
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| October 14, 2008 |
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Mile, you and your Roman Rebels are a real encouragement to me and I've never seen you guys play.The Roman Rebels must be an encouragement to the teams you play and I'm sure they must see something different in you guys.What a great way to take it out in teh real world by joining a secular league.Even if you loose every game (which you are already winners) the example that you guys are on teh court may win souls or turn others back to the Lord in the midst of remarkable storms.Keep on playing and remeber there are no loosers in Christ. |
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| October 14, 2008 |
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| Thank you Sarah Ellen, that really blesses me. (BTW, we are now 0-18.) |
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| October 14, 2008 |
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How am I missing all of your blogs? I NEED MY SUBSCRIPTIONS BUTTON BACK!!! But I loved this...My husband is a referee for many sports...you name it, he does it...and it always surprises me at how many parents, players, and coaches react in such a negative way...Bless you and your team for exemplifing Christ...and my favorite part:
God promises us strength to soar and run in the midst of all the "defeats" of life!
In my weakness, He is made STRONG!!! Blessings Mr. Mike... |
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| October 14, 2008 |
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| Mike it's a good thing that we are sibilings in Christ, cause otherwise you'd never get away with the Sarah Ellen remark.LOL.0-18, That's great, you have a perfect record.Why win one now and mess with perfection :) |
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| October 14, 2008 |
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| I love volleyball |
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| October 16, 2008 |
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Great blog post.. being joyous in defeat... very tough.
That's my favorite verse too!!
blessings,
deb |
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| October 17, 2008 |
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So do I Skuttles! Thanks Deb. It is hard to be joyous in defeat. The actual losing is the easy part. The hard part is dealing with my teammates' frustrations in a spirit of love, joy, and gentleness!! (especially when one of them is your wife!!!!!) |
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| June 16, 2009 |
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| I love this story! You say your "hope is that they will look through the net and see us, every bit as joyful as they, even in the midst of what looks like defeat." They do! In grade school, I was on a volleyball team that was in it to win it. Victory was the only acceptable outcome of the game and I always looked forward to playing one certain team - the coach must've been someone from the school of Mike n Laura. His team was decent, but whether they won or lost, he supported them the same way and encouraged them. Comments were only positive and rarely had to do with performance. He was teaching his girls to play for Him rather than themselves. That impacted me as a sixth grader and I know it is impacting students your girls get the *pleasure* of playing opposite! |
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| June 16, 2009 |
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 [star!] |
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| June 16, 2009 |
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| Thanks Katie, that's the spirit!! :) |
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