Matthews United Methodist Church Youth Basketball League THE RIGHT ATTITUDE F G Coaches Devotional Guide 2018-2019 Having the right character & attitude to play the game of life. STATEMENT OF MISSION & PURPOSE To provide a recreational opportunity in a Christian environment with an emphasis on affirming, encouraging, and nurturing teens in Christ s love.
Welcome to the 2018-2019 Basketball Season! THANK YOU, COACHES! Thank you for your commitment of time and energy to this wonderful ministry. The most important thing you will do this season is to build relationships with youth that model the unconditional love of Jesus Christ! Our staff will be here to support you in any way needed. Enjoy your time and let s honor God in the way we reach out to youth in the name of Christ. The MUMC Youth Basketball League is providing this devotional booklet for you to use throughout this season. Coaches are expected to lead one devotion per week as part of your practice time. We ask that you take the first 10 minutes of every practice to sit down with your team and discuss the devotions. Please follow through the devotions in order (they are dated) as each team in the league will be doing the same one each week. At weekend games before the opening prayer, teams will be to summarize the devotional thought of the week and how it may apply to their game that day. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31 As we ve recently experienced, our youth of today face a much different world than the one in which we grew up; the pressure they experience are tremendous. The positive experiences they may pursue succeeding in school are overshadowed by threats, violence and uncertainty. Our society seems to promote that whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means cheating, lying, or hurting others, is ok; that the ends justify the means. Teens & young adults need sound spiritual, moral, and ethical leadership. They must have a clear understanding of honesty, respect, obedience, love, and other foundational truths that will help them stand strong in a world which more and more often is choosing wrong over right and evil over good. Most of the kids in our league regularly attend church, while others may attend occasionally or not at all. Matthews United Methodist Youth Ministries still holds fast to faith. We are dedicated to the youth & families of our community. It's time to stand up for what we believe, to revive character and honor, in order to foster a group of young people who will be respectful, obedient, courageous, and well meaning. Being a Christian is the greatest life there is; a life of integrity, honesty, commitment, forgiveness, grace and love. If we teach with words, and live by example, the principles outlined in the Bible, we can effectively impact the lives of children and their families, starting with our own. You, as the Coach, have an awesome responsibility! Your players trust and rely upon you to show them what is right, not only on the court, but in your daily life. Your words and actions are precious to them. God has placed you in this position because He has equipped you for the task. Your knowledge and love of sports is secondary to the real reason you have been chosen. You are called to live and share the love and message of our Lord Jesus Christ with a lost and dying world. Take this responsibility seriously and rise to the calling. You can do it! Please Note: The MUMC Youth Staff is here to assist you in any way necessary; do not hesitate to ask. If you need help in presenting lessons or encouraging tips, or have any questions as the season progresses, please call Rob Hunter at (704) 618-5880, text a message, or send an email to Rob@matthewsumc.org. In His service! Corey Milliet Director of Youth, College-Age & Young Adult Ministries Rob Hunter Associate Director Youth Ministries
Weekly Devotionals 1. Devotional 1 Keep Looking Up - Code of Conduct & Basketball Covenant Nov. 25 - Dec. 1 Building your team on a principle of Grace 2. Devotional 2 Creating A Foundation of Community Dec. 2 - Dec. 8 A Unified Team never fails 3. Devotional 3 Playing Good Defense Dec. 9 - Dec. 15 Victory comes from a good defense 4. Devotional 4 X-Factor Training - Be Salt. Be Light. Dec. 31 - Jan. 5 Physical strength is good. Spiritual strength is better. 5. Devotional 5 Come Dressed to Play and Win Jan. 6 - Jan. 12 Following the Warriors Way 6. Devotional 6 Practice Leads to Playoffs Jan. 13 - Jan. 19 Walk the Walk 7. Devotional 7 Keep Your Eye on the Ball Jan. 20 - Jan. 26 Are you a blind basketball player? 8. Devotional 8 Dedication to the Cause Jan. 27 - Feb. 2 What are you willing to withstand? 9. Devotional 9 Be Confident - Not Nervous Feb. 3 - Feb. 9 Don t be anxious. Focus on what is Godly. 10. Devotional 10 Seasonal Review Feb. 10 - Feb. 16 You have been made new. Taking a moment to remember the best parts
Basketball Devotion 1 Nov. 25 Dec. 1 Keep Looking Up! (John 3:16-17, Colossians 3:2, & Ephesians 2:8-9) Coach s Notes: Today we ll set the tone for the season to come. To start this devotional time, get two volunteers to come up. Have one of them try to dribble a basketball while facing the other and asking the following questions: (See if they can do it without looking away. If your players are talented you can ask the other volunteer to dribble while they are answering.) 1. What is your name? 2. What school do you attend? 3. What is your least favorite food? 4. Do you have any pets? 5. If you were to die today, where would you go and why? Note: Bring students into big group and discuss question #5. Emphasize that there is only one place to find the answer to that question. Where is it? Scripture Foundation : A. John 3:16-17 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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. B. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. C. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. Good works alone don t get us to heaven. God s word tells us that we are saved by grace - (undeserved love) through faith in Jesus as our Savior who died on the cross and rose from the dead for us. He took away all our sins and saved us from the punishment of hell that we deserve. So we can be confident that we are saved through Jesus; don t ever doubt. Instead live for Jesus with a thanks for this great gift He has given us! This league is about more than just winning basketball games, let s keep our eyes looking up toward the heavenly things which really matter. We re going to spend some time reviewing the Code of Conduct and discussing how this is a demonstration of living with our eyes focused upward. NOTE: Review & have youth sign Code of Conduct forms. Return those to me at next 0pportunity (Rob)
Review of Code of Conduct During this 1 st week, go over conduct rules. The players and coaches who have signed this have committed to an agreement of conduct. 2018-2019 YOUTH CODE OF CONDUCT I, a participant in the Matthews UMC Youth Basketball League, agree to model behavior that is only supportive, encouraging and affirming to all athletes & visitors. I will be respectful to referees and coaches at all times, whether or not I agree with the officiating or coaching. I will not display any loud and inappropriate language, taunting or disrespectful conduct towards anyone. I understand that I will be benched or suspended if these guidelines are not followed. Youth Signature: Date: Coach s Signature: Team: Q: Why do we sign a code of conduct? Q: What does this code of conduct have to do with Jesus Christ? Q: Is there more to following Christ than simply being nice? Ephesians 2:1-10 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Q: How can the Gospel of Jesus Christ affect our basketball team?
Basketball Devotion 2 Dec. 2 Dec. 8 Finding Your Foundation (I Thessalonians 5:18) Have you ever known someone who was never happy? You could give them a piece of their favorite pie with a big scoop of ice cream on top and they would complain the piece wasn t big enough or that there wasn t enough whip cream on it. Do you think that person would enjoy a free gift? Why or Why not? Sometimes we are tempted to be this person who is not happy. Maybe when you play basketball you are temped to complain if you don t get the ball enough or don t get the right call. Today we are going to discuss a different type of attitude. It is an attitude that God instructs us to have. Scripture Foundation: 1 Thessalonians 5:18... give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1. What does give thanks mean? ( It means to give thanks to God by how you act, by your attitude toward all things - do you get mad and quit, do you say mean things about others, complain constantly, or do you continue to work hard and encourage others in a positive way? ) 2. What does in all circumstances mean? ( All the time, no matter what is happening. This positive attitude has been called an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE.) Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 3. Why should we have an attitude of gratitude always? If things are going bad in our lives, why should we still have an attitude of gratitude? ( Hint - look at the end of the 1 Thessalonoans verse.) We should be hard working, positive and encouraging toward others out of thankfulness for what Jesus has done for us He has suffered and died for us, so it is our way of showing love back to Him for all He has done for us. Volunteer Reader: Jesus loves you and promises to always take care of you and to have heaven waiting for you so Go and live your life with an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE, HOPE, CHARACTER! 4. What kind of attitude do you all as a team want to have this season? (Gratitude, Hope, Character, Team Work, Sportsmanship, etc.) Coach s Note: Use the blank sheet of paper on the next page to brainstorm and describe your team s attitude. Keep it, remember it throughout the season; go back to it when times get tough, when you feel like giving up, and when you feel like complaining. This will serve as your foundation.
Finding Your Foundation (Use the space below to define your Team Attitude)
Basketball Devotion 3 D ec. 9 Dec. 15 Playing Good Defense (Galatians 5:16-17, 1 Peter 5:8-9) 1. Have you ever heard the phrase: Defense Wins Games! What does this mean? (It takes playing good defense to win in basketball, not just shooting well) A team that doesn t play defense as a team will not win many games. It may seem like more fun to just sit around and wait for the ball to come to you so you can shoot, but that is not what wins games. You must work to prevent the other team from scoring. We must fight the urge to just be lazy and not play good defense. Often times we want to just reach for the ball instead of moving our feet. Even though we know it is best to move our feet and play good defense, we don t always do it in a game. 2. How do we get better at playing good defense in a game? ( Get in good shape, practice correct form, watch others, listen and be encouraged by teammates and the coach. ) The way we practice and play on the court reflects how we live our lives! Scripture Foundation: Galatians 5:16-17 : So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 3. The apostle Paul wrote this by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to the Galatians and to us. What is he talking about? ( Our sinful nature goes against the Spirit or God s way - we know we should follow God s commandments and do what is God pleasing, but our sinful nature seems to continually lead us to do the opposite ) Playing good defense in a basketball game is important, but it is even more important that we live our life by the Spirit, in other words we live for God not for our sinful nature. 4. How do we get better at living by the spirit? ( Pray, watch other role models, read and learn God s word, encourage others, listen to our Coach - God, ) 1 Peter 5:8-9: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 5. What kind of connections can you see between the way we play basketball and this verse? ( The devil is the other team, looking to beat us. We win by good defense with faith because we know that our teammates are struggling to play hard and depending on us to stay alert too.) Let s eave here today encouraged to not only play better defense on the basketball court, but more importantly to play good defense against our sinful nature. We do this best when we live by the Spirit when we live out thankfulness to God for the gift of salvation He gives us through Jesus.
Basketball Devotion 4 Dec. 31 Jan. 5 X-Factor Training - Be Salt. Be Light. (1 Timothy 4:7-8, Matthew 5:13-16) 1. How does or should a good player train for the start of a basketball season? (Running, shooting, dribbling, weight training, a lot of practice) 2. In general how does one stay healthy in life? What things do you need to do? (Eat healthy, exercise, get enough sleep, no smoking or drugs, etc.) Did you know that God speaks specifically about the importance of physically training in the Bible? God does say it has value or is important, but what type of training does he tell us is even more important? Scripture Foundation: 1 Timothy 4:7-8: Have nothing to do with godless myths and irreverent stories presented as religion; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for both the present life and the life to come. 3. What are some examples of these godless myths and false religions? (Horoscopes, good luck charms, sometimes social media, false religions that don t know Jesus) 4. We are told to train ourselves to be godly. Does this mean we can make ourselves into a god? No, but what does godly mean? How can we train ourselves to be godly? (Stay close to Jesus through faith and living a life for God. We train by being in the Word through church, Sunday School, Youth Group, reading the Bible, etc. and by praying and working to resist the sinful temptations in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit) Matthew 5:13-16: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 5. Pursuing Godliness brings us to Be Salt and Light in the world. Why do you think this is more important than physical training? (Godliness has value not only now on earth, but also forever as it leads to heaven by keeping us close to our Savior.) The same way that it s important to keep your body in shape through physical training, it s important to keep your spirit healthy by staying close to Jesus through prayer and the understanding of His Word. A strong man is also blind when there s no light!
Basketball Devotion 5 Jan. 6 Jan. 12 Come Dressed to Play... and Win (Ephesians 6:10-17) If you had a basketball game, would you show up on the court wearing winter boots, snow pants, winter coat, gloves, and a winter hat and expect to go in the game? What do the professional players wear? Why? (Gym shoes, shorts, uniform so they re prepared for the game and they can better handle what the game their opponent brings against them.) God gives advice on what to wear in life too Now hold up, He doesn t give us fashion advice, or make us wear a uniform, but He gives us something much more important. He helps prepare us to win the most important victory ever. Step 1: Know your team and know your opponent Ephesians 6:10-12: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil s schemes.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Step 2: Know your gear Coach s Note : Before reading the verse, assign each person an article of armor or it s purpose. Get the players to stand next to each other as they hear the verse so they can match them up. The Belt. of Truth The Breastplate.. of Righteousness The Boots.. of Readiness, that comes from the Gospel The Shield. of Faith, to protect from flaming arrows The Helmet of Salvation The Sword. of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Read Ephesians 6:13-17: Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the boots of readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. How can you make sure you stay dressed for battle every day? (Be in the Word of God devotions, church, Sunday School, family, Youth Group, Basketball league, friends, prayer, etc. )
Basketball Devotion 6 Jan. 13 - Jan. 19 Preparing For The Game (1 Peter 3:15) PRACTICE tonight? It s only practice. We not talking about the Game. We talking about PRACTICE. - 14 year NBA star, Allen Iverson This is what Allen Iverson said after being scolded for missing practice during a season with the 76ers in 2006. He said, it wasn t like he missed a game, he only missed practice. He thought that practice was really just a means to an end and there was no value in it. Don t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine. 1. What do you all think about these two perspectives on practice? - Ludwig van Beethoven In contrast to Allen Iverson, Beethoven said that practice was an important building block to understanding the deeper parts of your art. While the records of this are no where to be found, I wonder how many people remember Iverson vs Beethoven. 2. What things should you do to prepare for a game? (Practice, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, eat healthy meal, understand the rules, know plays, proper warm-up and stretching, be mentally ready, and wear correct uniform and gym shoes) Being prepared for the game is very important, but God tells us to be prepared for something more important. Scripture Foundation: Read 1 Peter 3:15:... in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect 3. What does God say to be prepared to do? (Tell others about Jesus and what He has done for you) 4. How do we get prepared? (Study God s Word, pray, self reflection, talk about Jesus more, trust God to guide you) 5. What advice does God give about how to give an answer? (Do it with gentleness and respect) You have to be willing to put in the work to prepare yourself; you can t expect to play in the championship game without coming to the practices. Always remember to be prepared for the game, but even more importantly, be prepared to tell others about Jesus!
Basketball Devotion 7 Jan. 20 Jan. 26 Keep Your Eye On The Ball (Hebrews 12:2) Start off by asking for a volunteer. Ask the volunteer to go out to an open space on the court and instruct them to catch the ball when you pass it to them. **Be sure to pass the ball a little bit away from their hands so they have to move for it. After they have successfully completed the task, instruct them to do it again with their eyes closed. Why should you keep your eye on the ball (or at least be aware of where it is) during the game? (To be ready to catch it, steal it, stop other team from scoring, not get hit in the head, etc.) God s word tells us to keep our eyes on something else at all times in life. Scripture Foundation: Hebrews 12:1-3: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 1. What are some things that might hinder us on the basketball court? (distraction, energy, selfishness, knowing we ll get beat, etc.) 2. What are some things that might hinder us in the rest of our life? 3. Why do you think it is important to fix our eyes on Jesus? (Stay close to our Savior, remember we need Him, not lose focus on what s really important He is the author and perfecter of our faith) 4. What things will help us fix our eyes on Jesus? (Praying, studying God s Word, church, Sunday School, family devotions, Youth Group, etc.) 5. What words of encouragement does God offer us in the last third of these verses to help us when we get overwhelmed or worn out about following God? Just as it is important in basketball to keep our eyes open and on the ball, it is even more important to keep our eyes focused on JESUS in all of life!
Basketball Devotion 8 Jan. 27 Feb. 2 Dedication to the Cause (Romans 12:1-2, Romans 5:6-8) 1. Have you ever heard the phrase that many coaches say: It takes sacrifice for a team to win! What are some sacrifices a player may have to make in order to be successful in basketball or to win? (Practice a lot, work really hard at practice and on own, take a hard charge, dive for loose ball, work hard on defense even when really tired, sit the bench during some games, missing other fun things to go to practice or games, etc.) The question when playing with a team is always a matter of what you re focused on. Are you more concerned with the team winning or making yourself look better? Are you dedicated to the cause or to yourself? God talks about sacrifice in the Bible, let s see why He tells us to sacrifice. Scripture Foundation: Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will. 2. God tells us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. What do you think this mean? (Treat our bodies as temple of the Lord by how we live, do everything to God s glory not our own, follow His rules not what seems fun to us, respect others -parents and teachers, etc.) 3. In basketball we sacrifice to improve our skills and win games, or we may even sacrifice the good shot we have, to pass to a teammate who has a great shot, but why do you think we should be living sacrifices to God? (To worship Him with a thankful heart and to love Him for the mercy/forgiveness and love He has shown us through Jesus) Romans 5:6-8: You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ (sacrificially) died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 4. In basketball our sacrifice could win the game for us, but can our living sacrifice ever earn us the prize of heaven? (No, only Jesus can win heaven for us! ) Let s remember that it does take sacrifice to win in basketball, but in life Jesus sacrifice is what causes us to want to live for Him!
Basketball Devotion 9 Feb. 3 Feb. 9 Be Confident Not Nervous (Philippians 4:4-7, 8, Joshua 1:9) Many players get nervous when it comes to playing in actual games, especially if there are a lot of fans watching. Usually this nervousness is caused by worry. 1. What does this nervousness do to our ability to play well in the game? ( Don t play as well ) 2. Is there really a reason to be nervous or worry about playing in a game? (No, in fact it hurts your playing ability.) God offers some good advice for basketball games and for life in general. Scripture Foundation: Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 3. What does God say we should worry about? (Nothing!) What should we do instead? (With prayer and thanks ask God - He will provide!) So with the season soon coming to a close, what is next. Firstly, FINISH STRONG. You have been playing well and practicing hard all season, don t forget everything you ve been doing in the last few games. Secondly, KEEP ADDING TO WHAT YOU VE LEARNED. Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. 4. What do you think this verse means for the way we live our daily lives? God tells us to let our minds be focused on what is good; what is Godly. In the same way that professional basketball players focus their thoughts on the game on and off the court, you should have a mind that is focused on God in and out of church. As verse 4 says we can Rejoice always because we know we are on our way to heaven through our Savior Jesus. We can have courage because of a confidence in Him, He is always near! Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Basketball Devotion 10 Feb. 10 Feb. 16 Season Review (2 Corinthians 5:16-21) (Note: Have a player or two read this scripture; observe for attentiveness) 2 Corinthians 5:16-21: So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people s 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 Christ s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. This is the Good News of Christ. You have heard it through many different forms, verses, and questions throughout this season. Christ came to bridge the gap between us and God so that we might be made New. This scripture tells is WE are Christ s ambassadors! Let s take a few minutes to look back on this season and see just how much we ve grown. Have students answer the following questions. Do not be afraid of some silence at first! 1. What have you learned about yourself this season? 2. How have you seen God this season? 3. What was most encouraging/frustrating to you? 4. What are some things our team was good at? Bad at? 5. Do you remember the Foundation that we wrote earlier in the year? In what ways did we live up to this and in what ways could we use some improvement? Philippians 3:10-14 I want to know Christ yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 6. Who can summarize this verse for us? 7. In what ways did our team embody this verse? 8. In what ways could we have done better? 10. How can we live this out in our everyday lives? Share parting words with your team & close in prayer.