New Academy intake off to flying start!!

The first few weeks of the 2007 Academy program has started with a bang!  The 22^nd January was the first day as the guys turned up with their baggage to the houses. A trip to Scotland the following week of inductions, instructions and bonding – great scenes!!

Follow their progress on the web pages; every month we’ll have a couple of write ups from the guys – catch the first one next week!

 

Sports Plus Bookings

Keep checking out the updates on the website!

Still loads of room for Scotland and N Ireland Sports Plus Camps – the others are either full or getting full, so keep an eye out!

Different for Jesus!

 

Remember where we’re heading in this series? – We want to get really practical in helping you represent Christ better in the way you play your sport! 

1. Our motivation to play – 1 Peter 2v11-12

2. Winning and losing – Matthew 6v19-21

3. Referee! – Matthew 5v43-48

 

This week, how do we react to chirpy opponents that really wind us up?

 

As a young footballer, and not being the biggest of lads, it probably comes as no surprise to you that I played most of my years at fullback (For those who aren’t to familiar with footy that means your job is to mark their usually quick and tricky winger!) Without fail this ended in a personal dual between me and the winger to see who would come out on top, a dual that was usually as much verbal as physical!!!

 

After a Ronaldo step over that left you on the floor, the inevitable grin, sly remark and general abuse was pretty hard to take…

 

How then should we react to an opponent that winds us up whether verbally or physically? 

 

Let’s turn again to the book of Matthew for some really practical advice, and as we do remember that this is only possible for the Christian, the one who is continually being changed to be more like Jesus in every way:

 

Matthew 5v39: But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek turn to him the other also.

 

Maybe not the advice you were after!

 

You see the most natural thing is to fight back or either by biting back verbally or giving someone a sly dig. BUT Jesus says now be different, if someone strikes you on one cheek turn to him the other cheek also. Just as Jesus humbly walked to the cross without fighting back or retaliating, so should we as followers of Jesus walk as God wants us to walk. 

 

Remember the cross friends and be different for Jesus this week.