As sports fans, we love to watch games and embrace the live action. When a season is in full swing, we go from one exciting game to the next. What’s so interesting about today’s sports landscape, however, is how the offseason ends up providing almost as much intrigue as the actual season. Closely watching the draft and training camp, the NFL has become a year-round sport. The MLB has it’s “hot stove league,” and now the NBA’s offseason is taking over the summer with talk about the draft, trades, free agency, and Summer League. We no longer follow sports just when games are being played in the regular season or playoffs, but instead, buy into a year-round commitment. “In season and out of season” there is something always happening as a follower of sports, and we need to be ready. When it comes to our own lives and commitment to obeying and seeking Jesus, do we have a year-round attitude or do we tend to stop paying attention during the “offseason?” I know the summer months are great for vacation and taking breaks from our typical routines, but sometimes it’s easy for us to also take a break from spending time with God. When it comes to being in a season of great need and desperation, we really pursue God as we constantly ask for His provision and answers to our prayers. But, sometimes our focus and passion for God can often dwindle when life is going well. Staying fully devoted year-round (regardless of the season we’re in) is very important. There is always something happening as a follower of Jesus and we need to be ready. Paul writes these encouraging words in 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV):“Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” Today as we embrace the fact we follow most sports year-round, let’s be challenged to have an even more solid commitment to the time, effort, and focus we place on loving and seeking God. As we continually pursue knowing Him deeply, let’s allow these two verses to always be our response: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4 – ESV). “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:6 – ESV). I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess my faith goes through dry seasons when I’m focused on other things and don’t follow Jesus as passionately and consistently as I’d like to. I’m thankful I can rest in Your grace and be encouraged by Your Word to always be ready and acknowledge You in every season. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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See AllWEEKLY CONTENT FOR P.A.C.K. GATHERINGS P – PRAYER Pray for your time together. Ask God to give you open hearts and ears and a willingness...
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