Youth Basketball Devotions

Accept - Week Nine

Romans 15:7 NIV

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
Last week we talked about having the Holy Spirit as a friend who not only reminds us about what Jesus taught us while he was here on earth, but also teaches us how to be more like Christ. This week we are talking about accepting one another as Christ accepts us. Romans 15:7 tells us Therefore, accept each

other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

Do you have a hard time accepting other peoples faults? Is there someone in your life that you feel has wronged you in some way? Truth is that we have all wronged Jesus in some way shape or form, but he accepts us despite what we have done. Romans 5:8 tells us But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Challenge: This week when you are having a hard time showing love to others, remember Christ love for us and let His love shine through you.

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Holy Spirit Week Eight
John 14:26 CEV

But the Holy Spirit will help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place.
Last week we talked about where we draw our strength from, and that if we are a follower of Christ he is our source of strength and support. This week we are looking at John 14:26 But the Holy Spirit will help you, because the father will send the Spirit to take my place. When Jesus went to heaven to be with (God) His Father he promised that God would send us the Holy Spirit as a friend to take his place. And the Holy Spirit would not only teach us but to remind us of all the things Jesus taught us while he was here on earth. Acts 2:38 tells us how we can have the Holy Spirit in our lives. It says Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Challenge: If you are already a Christian and have been baptized take some time this week to get to know the Holy Spirit on a deeper level. If you have not been baptized pray and ask God to show you His truth then talk to your parents or a coach about what it means to follow Jesus.

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Strength - Week Seven
Isaiah 41:10 NCV

I will make you strong and help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.
Last week we talked about the love of Christ and how we are to love each other as Christ loved us. This week we are talking about Isaiah 41:10 that says I will make you strong and help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you. Where do you draw your strength from? So many times we try and rely on our own abilities to get us through difficult times, but if you are a friend of Christ, the Bible tells us He is there give you strength and support. Are you getting your strength from Christ or are you still trying to do things on your own? Challenge: This week pray and ask God to give you strength. Thank Him not only when he is there to support you every day, but also during difficult times.

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Christ Love - Week Six

John 15:13 NIV

Greater Love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Last week we talked about how true friends are people who encourage us and build us up. This week we are talking about the love of Christ. John 15:13 says Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. And just who are Christ friends? Verse 14 tells us that we are Christ friends if we follow his commands. His command is simple: Love each other as I have loved you. (Verse 12) And again in verse 17 This is my command: Love each other. Do you put others needs ahead of you own? What are some ways we can show the love of Christ to others?

Challenge: This week look for ways to share the love of Christ with others.
Take time to thank God for His love and the opportunities He gives you to share it with others.

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Encourage - Week Five

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

encourage one another and build each other up

Last week we talked about how keeping our relationships with our family members strong and healthy will help us keep Satan from tearing us down. This week we are studying 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourage one another and build each other up Do you have someone in your life who is consistently giving you praise and encouragement? Someone who believes in you and makes you feel good about what you are doing? Just like the people here today cheering you on, these people cheer us on in life and encourage us to be the best we can be. True friends do that for each other, and that is the type person God wants us to be. Ephesians 4:29 says Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. So many times in life we dont take time to encourage the people around us, and we lose out on those opportunities that God has given us to build them up. Are you an Encourager? How is God going to use you this week to lift someones sprit? Challenge: This week talk to God about what it means to be an encourager. Look for ways you can put this lesson into action.

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Unity- Week four
Mark 3:25 NIV

If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

At our last game we talked about growinghow surrounding ourselves with people who love and honor Jesus, can help us be a better person and grow in our faith to be more like Him. This week we are discussing Mark 3:25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. While this verse may not specifically talk about what our thinking of friendships may be, it does key in on some very important relationships in our lives, and those relationships are between us and our closest family members. You see Satan wants use anything he can to destroy and mess up our relationships that glorify God. Whether that relationship is a friend or a close family member Satan wants to prevent it from strengthening your relationship with God. Contrary to popular belief our parents our not our enemys they are here to protect us and help us learn and grow so that we can know Jesus Christ and live for him. Challenge: This week take some time to think about your family. What are some ways you can show your parents how much you love them and appreciate the sacrifices they make for you?

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Growing week three
Proverbs 27:17 NIV

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Last week we talked about HumilityNot being selfish or trying to impress others, but being humble and thinking of others better than ourselves. This week we are discussing how surrounding ourselves with people who love and honor Jesus, can help us be a better person and grow in our faith to be more like Him. Proverbs 27:17 says As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Can anyone tell me what that means? It simply means that when we have people in our lives who challenge us to follow and be like Jesus we grow, and when we challenge them, they grow. Do your friends challenge you to be more like Jesus? Do you challenge your friends to be more like Jesus?

Challenge: This week take some time to think about your friendships. Do you
have the type of friendships where you challenge each other to grow?

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Friendship- week two
Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times"
This season we are going to be talking about what the bible has to say about friendship. One of the goals we have for our league is for you to make new friends, whether you are a coach, parent, or player. Thats why we always try to put people on your team that you may not know. This week's devotion is simple... just get to know the people on your team.

Activity: as an icebreaker grab a basketball and have the kids sit in a

circle and pass around the ball and tell their name and introduce who brought them to the game that day.

Challenge: end in prayer and encourage everyone this week to pray

for one of their new friends.

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Youth Basketball Devotions

Humility- week one
Philippians 2:3 NLT

Dont be selfish; dont try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Last week we got together and got to know our teammates a little better and we learned the verse A friend loves at all times Proverbs 17:17 This week we are talking about the verse Dont be selfish, dont try and impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 Does anyone know what the word humble means? (Let them answer.) Being humble means that you respect others more than yourself. One way you can be humble is by helping others who cannot possibly help you in return. Instead of hanging out with your friends, or playing video games, or watching TV maybe you help one of your neighbors shovel snow or rake leaves.

Challenge: This week do something nice for someone without

expecting something in return.