Live on Purpose

Christian Character Award

Hey gang -

I wanted to use this week's blog to get you thinking about which player might receive your team's Christian Character Award. The scripture that is on the award is Phillipians 2:5, which reads - "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." If you are like me, you are probably thinking that you are far from it! However, we are called to strive for a Christ-like attitude in all that we do with everything in us.

Keep that in mind as you think about which player or cheerleader has exemplified an exceptional Christ-like attitude over the course of your maximum impact season. It doesn't mean that they are "perfect" or have never struggled at times. What it means is that the way they carry themselves, treat and lead others, and stay positive and poised regardless of the circumstance models an exceptional pursuit of having a Christ-like attitude.

It is an award that is difficult to give a list of criteria for, because often it is in the midst of challenges or teachable moments that the recipient of this award would rise to the top. It is in the moments where most of us would be weak in spirit, that we may find strength in the actions and words of another that brings everything back into the perspective that God would want us to have. Hopefully all of us have been worthy of being Christian Character award winners during a certain season of life in the past. Who has it been on your team this season?

As always, let me help answer any questions you may have.

Thanks for giving so much this season. Let's all finish strong together... only 2 more weekends and one more week of games are left. Have fun and have no regrets about how you used the opportunities that God has given you this season.

Serving together,
Brody

Servant Leadership

This past weekend's devotion (week #3) focused on servant leadership. The scripture that I used came from the book of Matthew where Jesus is describing what the Biblical model of leadership looks like, which we refer to as "servant leadership."

The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:11-12

When I think of all of you this season, this concept of servant leadership is what first comes to mind for me. Each of you are so willing to serve, and you all seem to truly own what Jesus himself is referring to here. In order to be effective leaders, we must be willing to humble ourselves and serve others... specifically those that God has called us to lead and mentor, ie: our maximum impact teams.

Please re-emphasize this verse and concept this week with your teams. Once again, thank you for all that you are investing into those God has entrusted you with this season.

Serving together,
Brody

You all rock!

Once again, all I can say is thank you. Based on my observations, this has been our best Maximum Impact season so far... and we owe it to all of you. We started the season with some glitches and setbacks, but God is good and we seem to be running on all cylinders right now. The devotion from this past weekend was framed around the second point from our coaches gathering - Love. The scripture that we used was Matthew 22:37-39. Please read through it at the end of one of your practices this week, and re-emphasize the command that is laid from Jesus in this passage. It reads:

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Next weekend we will look at the third and final point that we discussed together at our coaches gathering - servant leadership. It will be live teaching this week, and please continue to encourage your parents to join us in the summit for our devotions.

Have a great week and enjoy being with your cheerleaders and football players... do not underestimate just how much they look up to you!

Serving together,

Brody

We are off to a great start!

On behalf of our entire staff, let me say a big thanks to each of you for making our first Saturday of games a huge success. I know Josh and Kerry are working hard to tie up some loose ends in regards to uniforms and other small details.

Also, let me commend all of you for being so diligent in getting your teams to the summit on time for devotions. It went very well all day and we were able to stay right on schedule. The only request I have is to keep encouraging parents to join us in the summit for the devotions... you do not have to force them, but please keep encouraging them to be with us.

This week at your practice(s), please go over John 3:16 with your players. I really want to plant a seed and lay the foundation for all of our devotional messages this season with this simple and powerful verse.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Next week's devotion will hit on the 2nd part of the Faith, love, & leadership message that we discussed at our coaches gathering... which is love. The verse that I will use is Matthew 22:37-39, which says:

Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And
second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

I will be out of the office at a conference Wed - Friday of this week, but back with all of you on Saturday. If there is anything at all that I can do for any of you that would help with your team's ministry, please grab me Saturday so we can set up a time to connect. You can also email me anytime at bhillman@carolinaforest.org. Again... Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! What a great group of coaches we have this football and cheerleading season!

Have a blessed week.

Serving together,
Brody

The Linebacker - No Excuses

Check out this video especially if you feel you are not ready to share Jesus with your team.