This is a great demonstration from the National Taiwan Ocean University of a robot that shoots baskets!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
The Great Substitution
Substitutions are a part of the game of basketball. Whenever one player is tired, injured, not playing good or the coach needs to strategize, substitutions are a necessary part of the solution. It is also during substitutions wherein coaches are called geniuses or the other way around depending on the results of such a change of personnel inside the hardcourt.
Substitutions changes the complexion of the game. Take the case of an instance when a coach fields in an unknown or seldom used player in crucial stretches of the game when all things seem lost because of a big lead by the opponent. That player then suddenly scores a bunch of points or makes crucial steals and rebounds, or just plainly spark the team to victory or at least a comeback. You can hear the broadcasters saying what a great move by the coach to insert this or that player and the player is recognized as well.
Substitutions also provide rest for tired or injured players. It is very rare that players can play at the same physical level of hard basketball for 40 to 48 minutes. Much more if the game extends to overtime. Substitutions give players rest during a game to recuperate and to face the court again with renewed vigor.
Two thousand years ago, in the very first Christmas, the greatest substitution was made for mankind. In a game of life when everything seemed lost, a light in the world suddenly came forth. Man has lost its fight in this world because it was deep in sin. Just like a basketball game, this one was turning out to be a rout. But just like a great coach, God sent someone unassuming to the game. Nobody expected Him to make changes it would be probably just to stall a few minutes to the main players. But He snatched victory from defeat. He carried His team on his shoulders and everyone among them was sure now that they were headed for victory. The game actually still ended in a rout but this time tables were turned and the score difference heavily favored the once beleaguered team.
Jesus also provided us rest when His sacrifice erased our sins for us. Instead of man being punished for his sins, Jesus substituted for us by being the one on the cross instead of us. This was done so we might be victorious and take rest in His power to lead us to God's kingdom since we can't do it on our own.
Being able to go to heaven wasn't now based on a bunch of rules on what to do but now is unmerited grace if we only accept what He did for us on the cross and accept that He is our only Lord and Savior. That we cannot do, try as we might to save ourselves. That only Jesus holds the key for us.
Jesus came to this world poor and nobody would think He would change the world. Born in a dirty manger along with animals, one will not have the slightest idea that He was God and about to save mankind. But change and save them He did. Not only did Jesus led those who believe in Him to victory but routed the lies of Satan too! The game was never the same... before everyone doubted victory now everything was assured as long as you are with the same team as Jesus.
Are you tired and injured from such things as hate bitterness, betrayal or the burdens of this world. God is at the scorer's table ready to substitute if you are willing to let Him lead you in this game of life. He can give you rest and at the same time take you to victory.
Merry Christmas!
Substitutions changes the complexion of the game. Take the case of an instance when a coach fields in an unknown or seldom used player in crucial stretches of the game when all things seem lost because of a big lead by the opponent. That player then suddenly scores a bunch of points or makes crucial steals and rebounds, or just plainly spark the team to victory or at least a comeback. You can hear the broadcasters saying what a great move by the coach to insert this or that player and the player is recognized as well.
Substitutions also provide rest for tired or injured players. It is very rare that players can play at the same physical level of hard basketball for 40 to 48 minutes. Much more if the game extends to overtime. Substitutions give players rest during a game to recuperate and to face the court again with renewed vigor.
Two thousand years ago, in the very first Christmas, the greatest substitution was made for mankind. In a game of life when everything seemed lost, a light in the world suddenly came forth. Man has lost its fight in this world because it was deep in sin. Just like a basketball game, this one was turning out to be a rout. But just like a great coach, God sent someone unassuming to the game. Nobody expected Him to make changes it would be probably just to stall a few minutes to the main players. But He snatched victory from defeat. He carried His team on his shoulders and everyone among them was sure now that they were headed for victory. The game actually still ended in a rout but this time tables were turned and the score difference heavily favored the once beleaguered team.
Jesus also provided us rest when His sacrifice erased our sins for us. Instead of man being punished for his sins, Jesus substituted for us by being the one on the cross instead of us. This was done so we might be victorious and take rest in His power to lead us to God's kingdom since we can't do it on our own.
Being able to go to heaven wasn't now based on a bunch of rules on what to do but now is unmerited grace if we only accept what He did for us on the cross and accept that He is our only Lord and Savior. That we cannot do, try as we might to save ourselves. That only Jesus holds the key for us.
Jesus came to this world poor and nobody would think He would change the world. Born in a dirty manger along with animals, one will not have the slightest idea that He was God and about to save mankind. But change and save them He did. Not only did Jesus led those who believe in Him to victory but routed the lies of Satan too! The game was never the same... before everyone doubted victory now everything was assured as long as you are with the same team as Jesus.
Are you tired and injured from such things as hate bitterness, betrayal or the burdens of this world. God is at the scorer's table ready to substitute if you are willing to let Him lead you in this game of life. He can give you rest and at the same time take you to victory.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Versus Mode: T-Mac vs Vince Carter
Its the war of the cousins! This time we will take a look at the high flying acts of the most famous cousins in NBA history!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Something to Watch
Christmas is just around the corner and amid the busy days, we have here some meaningful programs that every household should watch.
The Score - (Click for Photo Synopsis)
Ang Kasagutan - (Click for Photo Synopsis)
You can watch the two programs at the following channels :
The Score:
NBN-4:
Part 1: 7-7:30pm (Dec. 14)
Part 2: 8-8:30 (Dec. 15)
IBC-13:
Part 1: 7-7:30pm (Dec. 14)
Part 2: 8-8:30 (Dec. 15)
RPN-9:
Part 1: 7-7:30pm (Dec. 14)
Part 2: 8-8:30 (Dec. 15)
2nd Avenue:
Part 1: 7-7:30pm (Dec. 14)
Part 2: 8-8:30 (Dec. 15)
Ang Kasagutan:
QTV-11: 9-10pm (Dec. 9)
NBN-4: 7-8pm (Dec. 16)
RPN-9: 7-8pm (Dec. 16)
IBC-13: 7-8pm (Dec. 16)
ETC 2nd Avenue: 7-8pm (Dec. 16)
Visit the Website: My Hope Philippines
The Score - (Click for Photo Synopsis)
Ang Kasagutan - (Click for Photo Synopsis)
You can watch the two programs at the following channels :
The Score:
NBN-4:
Part 1: 7-7:30pm (Dec. 14)
Part 2: 8-8:30 (Dec. 15)
IBC-13:
Part 1: 7-7:30pm (Dec. 14)
Part 2: 8-8:30 (Dec. 15)
RPN-9:
Part 1: 7-7:30pm (Dec. 14)
Part 2: 8-8:30 (Dec. 15)
2nd Avenue:
Part 1: 7-7:30pm (Dec. 14)
Part 2: 8-8:30 (Dec. 15)
Ang Kasagutan:
QTV-11: 9-10pm (Dec. 9)
NBN-4: 7-8pm (Dec. 16)
RPN-9: 7-8pm (Dec. 16)
IBC-13: 7-8pm (Dec. 16)
ETC 2nd Avenue: 7-8pm (Dec. 16)
Visit the Website: My Hope Philippines
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Friday, December 01, 2006
Vesus Mode: Iverson vs. Wade
Great video set to astounding music makes this video by glidinclyde of Youtube truly a superb work!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Versus Mode: MJ vs Kobe
In our very first versus mode episode, we take a look at a video that shows the similarity between two great players and then you make up your mind on who is better. Now let's take a look at the two best clutch championship players... Jordan and Bryant!
Who's better?
Who's better?
Monday, November 27, 2006
Communication
Article from CCF
How important is communication to a team? Is it optional, essential or vital? Is it absolutely crucial to a team's success?
What are some of the situations when there must be communication among people in a team? What types of healthy communication should exist within a team?
Possible scenarios where communication is crucial in a game:
1) Point guard is calling out the play for the game winning shot
2) Your teammate is signaling for the pick and roll.
3) The coach is telling you how to execute the play during time out.
4) A teammate is asking for help by switching on defense.
5) You motivate your teammate who doesn’t seem to be giving his best.
6) You encourage a teammate who is not playing too well.
7) You slap high fives with teammates after a well executed play.
8) You thank a teammate who makes an unselfish play.
There are countless other situations where communication plays to a team's success. Without it, there will most certainly be a breakdown in the team.
Just as communication is vital for the survival of any team, our relationship with God is also dependent on the depth of our communication with Him-- how intimately we are connected to Him. Christians express this intimacy and communion with God through PRAYER.
There are 4 facets of communication with God that we will be learning today which will enable us to live a balanced prayer life.
PRAISE and ADORATION
How many of us here do not enjoy it when others praise us for something we have done? Whether it is on or off the court, we enjoy hearing other people expressing their praise. When you watch a Michael Jordan highlight reel, don’t you find yourself enjoying being in awe of his abilities?
Somebody once said, we are all WORSHIPFUL BEINGS. We are always worshipping something or someone at any given point in time. However, our deepest fulfillment can be found when we are worshipping the One for whom we are created for--God.
Get a partner now and name one good character quality you want to praise your teammate for. God's character qualities are called "attributes." God has many attributes we can praise Him for. Let's take a look at a passage now that describes God.
Read 1 Chronicles 29:11-12.
The second facet of prayer is confession
CONFESSION
How would you feel if you have a teammate who NEVER admits that he is wrong? He always pins the blame on somebody else or gets angry when the coach or teammate or even the referee corrects him. He is uncoachable, unteachable and causes disharmony within the team.
In our Christian life, we must also learn to be humble and admit it when we have sinned against God and violated our relationship with Him. Look at the attitude of King David, the man after God's own heart. Read Psalm 51:1-4.
Furthermore, the Bible promises a blessed life for those who know how to admit sin in their lives and confess it to God. Read Psalm 32:1-4 (Note: Confession literally means, "to say the same thing." This means we are to admit to God exactly what He is convicting us of as sin.)
Right now, take a few minutes to silently confess to God whatever sins you may have committed, but have not yet acknowledged to Him.
Additional verse: 1 John 1:9
THANKSGIVING
One of the most enjoyable parts of playing as a team is when players acknowledge each other's efforts and slap high fives and congratulate each other for a job well done. We thank the person who unselfishly passes the ball to another for a higher percentage shot, or express our appreciation to a teammate who hustles and dives for the ball just to give the team whatever advantage possible.
Psalm 100:4 says "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." It is this "attitude of gratitude" which honors God because we are acknowledging that every blessing comes from Him.
We take many things for granted in our lives and if we only took time daily to thank God for His countless blessings, it would transform our lives. Let's take the next few minutes to pause, reflect and remember some things which we want to say "thank You" to God for.
Lastly, let us look more closely at the area of supplication or
SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS
Draft day is a very important day in the immediate future of a team. It can be a day of celebration where championships are secured, or a day of eternal regrets. Each team always has a wish list of what they are looking for in a player. They have a blue-print of the kind of player they want to be part of their team, either to be their franchise player or a role player who will help them win championships, or at least make them serious contenders.
If you were a GM of a team or the coach, would you be shy to express what kind of a player you would want? Would you be lazy or uninterested to make known what kind of player you want to draft? Obviously not!
Because God is our Father, He desires for us to express to Him exactly what our needs are. He is never too busy or uninterested in our prayers. He doesn’t get bored or consider our pleas to Him as insignificant. In fact, He loves it when we express our needs to Him.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, 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 minds in Christ Jesus."
What are some of the needs that you have today which you have not yet really expressed to God? Remember that nothing is too big or too small for Him. Not only that, but we are promised that if we pray about all these things with thanksgiving, He will grant us His unexplainable peace in our hearts, we just need to be willing to wait upon Him for His answers come in His perfect timing!
You are invited to Bible Studies and Worship Services at CCF:
CCF ST. FRANCIS SQUARE
4/F Saint Francis Square Tiangge Building
Julia Vargas Ave. cor Bank Drv.
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Tel: (63 2) 635-3410 to 17; (+632) 6333483; (+632) 6333484
Fax: (63 2) 635-3418
CCF St. Francis Website
CCF ALABANG
3F, CCF Bldg. Prime St.
Madrigal Business Park
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel: (63 2) 772-3035 to 39
Fax: (63 2) 772-3031
CCF Alabang Website
Other CCF Locations
How important is communication to a team? Is it optional, essential or vital? Is it absolutely crucial to a team's success?
What are some of the situations when there must be communication among people in a team? What types of healthy communication should exist within a team?
Possible scenarios where communication is crucial in a game:
1) Point guard is calling out the play for the game winning shot
2) Your teammate is signaling for the pick and roll.
3) The coach is telling you how to execute the play during time out.
4) A teammate is asking for help by switching on defense.
5) You motivate your teammate who doesn’t seem to be giving his best.
6) You encourage a teammate who is not playing too well.
7) You slap high fives with teammates after a well executed play.
8) You thank a teammate who makes an unselfish play.
There are countless other situations where communication plays to a team's success. Without it, there will most certainly be a breakdown in the team.
Just as communication is vital for the survival of any team, our relationship with God is also dependent on the depth of our communication with Him-- how intimately we are connected to Him. Christians express this intimacy and communion with God through PRAYER.
There are 4 facets of communication with God that we will be learning today which will enable us to live a balanced prayer life.
PRAISE and ADORATION
How many of us here do not enjoy it when others praise us for something we have done? Whether it is on or off the court, we enjoy hearing other people expressing their praise. When you watch a Michael Jordan highlight reel, don’t you find yourself enjoying being in awe of his abilities?
Somebody once said, we are all WORSHIPFUL BEINGS. We are always worshipping something or someone at any given point in time. However, our deepest fulfillment can be found when we are worshipping the One for whom we are created for--God.
Get a partner now and name one good character quality you want to praise your teammate for. God's character qualities are called "attributes." God has many attributes we can praise Him for. Let's take a look at a passage now that describes God.
Read 1 Chronicles 29:11-12.
The second facet of prayer is confession
CONFESSION
How would you feel if you have a teammate who NEVER admits that he is wrong? He always pins the blame on somebody else or gets angry when the coach or teammate or even the referee corrects him. He is uncoachable, unteachable and causes disharmony within the team.
In our Christian life, we must also learn to be humble and admit it when we have sinned against God and violated our relationship with Him. Look at the attitude of King David, the man after God's own heart. Read Psalm 51:1-4.
Furthermore, the Bible promises a blessed life for those who know how to admit sin in their lives and confess it to God. Read Psalm 32:1-4 (Note: Confession literally means, "to say the same thing." This means we are to admit to God exactly what He is convicting us of as sin.)
Right now, take a few minutes to silently confess to God whatever sins you may have committed, but have not yet acknowledged to Him.
Additional verse: 1 John 1:9
THANKSGIVING
One of the most enjoyable parts of playing as a team is when players acknowledge each other's efforts and slap high fives and congratulate each other for a job well done. We thank the person who unselfishly passes the ball to another for a higher percentage shot, or express our appreciation to a teammate who hustles and dives for the ball just to give the team whatever advantage possible.
Psalm 100:4 says "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." It is this "attitude of gratitude" which honors God because we are acknowledging that every blessing comes from Him.
We take many things for granted in our lives and if we only took time daily to thank God for His countless blessings, it would transform our lives. Let's take the next few minutes to pause, reflect and remember some things which we want to say "thank You" to God for.
Lastly, let us look more closely at the area of supplication or
SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS
Draft day is a very important day in the immediate future of a team. It can be a day of celebration where championships are secured, or a day of eternal regrets. Each team always has a wish list of what they are looking for in a player. They have a blue-print of the kind of player they want to be part of their team, either to be their franchise player or a role player who will help them win championships, or at least make them serious contenders.
If you were a GM of a team or the coach, would you be shy to express what kind of a player you would want? Would you be lazy or uninterested to make known what kind of player you want to draft? Obviously not!
Because God is our Father, He desires for us to express to Him exactly what our needs are. He is never too busy or uninterested in our prayers. He doesn’t get bored or consider our pleas to Him as insignificant. In fact, He loves it when we express our needs to Him.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, 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 minds in Christ Jesus."
What are some of the needs that you have today which you have not yet really expressed to God? Remember that nothing is too big or too small for Him. Not only that, but we are promised that if we pray about all these things with thanksgiving, He will grant us His unexplainable peace in our hearts, we just need to be willing to wait upon Him for His answers come in His perfect timing!
You are invited to Bible Studies and Worship Services at CCF:
CCF ST. FRANCIS SQUARE
4/F Saint Francis Square Tiangge Building
Julia Vargas Ave. cor Bank Drv.
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Tel: (63 2) 635-3410 to 17; (+632) 6333483; (+632) 6333484
Fax: (63 2) 635-3418
CCF St. Francis Website
CCF ALABANG
3F, CCF Bldg. Prime St.
Madrigal Business Park
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel: (63 2) 772-3035 to 39
Fax: (63 2) 772-3031
CCF Alabang Website
Other CCF Locations
Friday, November 24, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Fun Online Basketball Games
Relax and have some fun with these free online basketball games!
Other Games:
NetBlazer
Cleveland Cavaliers Game Room
Celtics Kids Games
 Shootin' Hoops Get past the other players and shoot a basket to win. |
| Play this free game now!! |
Other Games:
NetBlazer
Cleveland Cavaliers Game Room
Celtics Kids Games
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
NBA Pick One Challenge - Barging Into the Top 5... Sort of
Surprisingly, I have barged into the top 5 of the NBA Pick One Challenge. But there is a weird thing here, I have tied for total points with four other players! I don't think that the probability of tying the exact number of points for so many players is really that high in a game like this.
Points: 651
Rank: Tied for 5th
Points away from 1st Placer: 11
Points: 651
Rank: Tied for 5th
Points away from 1st Placer: 11
Monday, November 20, 2006
NBA : Win-Loss Leaders
Who are the leading teams in the NBA right now in terms of standings? Taking out the clutter of divisional and conference divisions can give us a picture of who are the teams doing well in the league right now. Here is the list.
Utah 9-1
San Antonio 8-2
Cleveland Cavaliers 7-3
Orlando Magic 7-3
Golden State Warriors 7-3
LA Lakers 7-3
New Orleans Hornets 7-3
Clippers 6-2
Utah 9-1
San Antonio 8-2
Cleveland Cavaliers 7-3
Orlando Magic 7-3
Golden State Warriors 7-3
LA Lakers 7-3
New Orleans Hornets 7-3
Clippers 6-2
NBA - Week 2 Highlight Mix
Here are some highlights of weeks 2 in the NBA. The video is made by KillaKMS.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Speedy NBA Links
- The real priorities of Michael Redd!
- Kobe Bryant is the youngest player to get 17,000 points!
- Singapore Airlines has lie-down seats that can can fit an NBA player. The guys can now get a good nap before the game.
- Shaq will be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks.
- The Jazz are at 8-1! Nobody expected this.
- NBA and its anti-defense sentiment.
- The NBA warns Bowen on how he plays defense.
- Kobe Bryant is the youngest player to get 17,000 points!
- Singapore Airlines has lie-down seats that can can fit an NBA player. The guys can now get a good nap before the game.
- Shaq will be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks.
- The Jazz are at 8-1! Nobody expected this.
- NBA and its anti-defense sentiment.
- The NBA warns Bowen on how he plays defense.
Friday, November 17, 2006
The NBA Pick One Challenge - My Update
As I've told you before, I joined the NBA Pick One Challenge. The general rule is that you can pick one player per game date on any team playing for that day. Your score will be based on the accumulation of points, assists and rebounds of the player you picked for that day. The Catch is you can only a particular once for the duration of the regular season.
As of today I am currently running in 9th place out of a total of 35 participants in the "my_philippines" league. I have a total of 520 points. The poor point production of my early picks kinda affected my rankings. The season is still young so there's still hope for a rally.
Picked players so far:
Raja Bell
Smush Parker
Elton Brand
Lamar Odom
LeBron James
Tony Parker
Tim Duncan
Yao Ming
Dirk Nowitzki
Baron Davis
Allen Iverson
Shawn Marion
Sam Cassell
Dwight Howard
Dwyane Wade
Gilbert Arenas
Tracy McGrady
As of today I am currently running in 9th place out of a total of 35 participants in the "my_philippines" league. I have a total of 520 points. The poor point production of my early picks kinda affected my rankings. The season is still young so there's still hope for a rally.
Picked players so far:
Raja Bell
Smush Parker
Elton Brand
Lamar Odom
LeBron James
Tony Parker
Tim Duncan
Yao Ming
Dirk Nowitzki
Baron Davis
Allen Iverson
Shawn Marion
Sam Cassell
Dwight Howard
Dwyane Wade
Gilbert Arenas
Tracy McGrady
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Jimmy Alapag Dunks
Jimmy Alapag, a 5'7 player from Talk N Text, makes this great dunk in a charity dunk contest for injured friend, Eugene Tejada. What a leap for a small guy!
Monday, November 13, 2006
THE MASTER PLAN
Article from CCF
How many of you like rules? How many of you enjoy following rules?
What do you think would happen if I let you guys play basketball, but each one of you could make up your own rules?
I want each one of you to make your own rules while you play. Forget everything you know about basketball. What’s important is for you to be able to score as many points as possible so that your team will win. Did you enjoy playing the game? How did you feel? Why do think you felt that way?”
In basketball, as well as in life, we need rules to govern us, not to take the fun out of life, but to protect us and to make it more enjoyable! We usually think of rules as something that will limit our freedom or a killjoy, but rules are actually meant for our own good.
Basketball Trivia: When James Naismith invented the sport of basketball back in December 21, 1891, he wrote 13 rules which was enforced during the games. Surprisingly, with all the changes the sport has gone through, most of those original rules are still being enforced in today’s game!
And because people have accepted these rules and have played according to them, basketball has shaped up to be one of the, if not the most popular and fastest growing sport today!
What would happen if you decided you didn’t really like the rule on traveling and decided that dribbling the ball is not really important? Your personal preference to run with the ball will not change the rules one bit. We are the ones who have to adjust to the rules of the game and not vice versa. If we choose to violate the rules, then we can’t complain about being penalized, right?
It is the same in life. God has given us His Word, the Bible, which is not only a rulebook but also His personal love letter to us. His Word does not change, regardless of whether we believe in it or not, whether we follow it or not. But God created us and He knows how we are designed.
If you bought a new appliance or electronic equipment, what would be the first thing you would do? Of course to read the instruction manual right? Have you seen anyone discard the manual without reading it? I remember plugging a 110v appliance to a 220v socket when I was still a young boy, and I will never forget what happened after that blunder. The Bible is like the instruction manual on how to maximize life. The Ultimate Inventor has carefully, painstakingly and perfectly gifted us with the knowledge of how to live life to the fullest, and given us the privilege to read and study it each day of our lives. What will you do with this gift?
How many of you are familiar with the story of Adam and Eve? What happened to them? They violated the rule that
God had given them, (not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) and so they were sent out of the Garden of Eden. However, we usually forget that the first commandment that
God had given Adam and Eve were commandments of freedom! For example,
God said “Be fruitful and multiply!” Adam could also name all the animals whatever he wished for their names to be!
God also said, “You MAY eat of ANY of the trees in the Garden except…”
God’s commandments were meant for our good and protection. He set boundaries to keep us safe and secure, not to antagonize us or make us bitter. God Himself said in His Word, “Choose to trust Me and My Word and your life will overflow with blessings… I will command blessings upon your home and everything you do will succeed.” (Deuteronomy 28:1,8)
Right now, let’s take a few minutes to see what the Bible says about knowing and obeying God’s Word.
Please Read:
Psalm 119: 9-16; Psalm 19:7-11, Joshua 1:7-8; Psalm 1, Deuteronomy 28:1-8
In light of the things we have learned today about God’s Word, how many of you are willing to commit to start reading the Bible for just 5 minutes a day?
Reminder: There are 1440 minutes in 24 hours!
You are invited to Bible Studies and Worship Services at CCF:
CCF ST. FRANCIS SQUARE
4/F Saint Francis Square Tiangge Building
Julia Vargas Ave. cor Bank Drv.
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Tel: (63 2) 635-3410 to 17; (+632) 6333483; (+632) 6333484
Fax: (63 2) 635-3418
CCF St. Francis Website
CCF ALABANG
3F, CCF Bldg. Prime St.
Madrigal Business Park
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel: (63 2) 772-3035 to 39
Fax: (63 2) 772-3031
CCF Alabang Website
Other CCF Locations
How many of you like rules? How many of you enjoy following rules?
What do you think would happen if I let you guys play basketball, but each one of you could make up your own rules?
I want each one of you to make your own rules while you play. Forget everything you know about basketball. What’s important is for you to be able to score as many points as possible so that your team will win. Did you enjoy playing the game? How did you feel? Why do think you felt that way?”
In basketball, as well as in life, we need rules to govern us, not to take the fun out of life, but to protect us and to make it more enjoyable! We usually think of rules as something that will limit our freedom or a killjoy, but rules are actually meant for our own good.
Basketball Trivia: When James Naismith invented the sport of basketball back in December 21, 1891, he wrote 13 rules which was enforced during the games. Surprisingly, with all the changes the sport has gone through, most of those original rules are still being enforced in today’s game!
And because people have accepted these rules and have played according to them, basketball has shaped up to be one of the, if not the most popular and fastest growing sport today!
What would happen if you decided you didn’t really like the rule on traveling and decided that dribbling the ball is not really important? Your personal preference to run with the ball will not change the rules one bit. We are the ones who have to adjust to the rules of the game and not vice versa. If we choose to violate the rules, then we can’t complain about being penalized, right?
It is the same in life. God has given us His Word, the Bible, which is not only a rulebook but also His personal love letter to us. His Word does not change, regardless of whether we believe in it or not, whether we follow it or not. But God created us and He knows how we are designed.
If you bought a new appliance or electronic equipment, what would be the first thing you would do? Of course to read the instruction manual right? Have you seen anyone discard the manual without reading it? I remember plugging a 110v appliance to a 220v socket when I was still a young boy, and I will never forget what happened after that blunder. The Bible is like the instruction manual on how to maximize life. The Ultimate Inventor has carefully, painstakingly and perfectly gifted us with the knowledge of how to live life to the fullest, and given us the privilege to read and study it each day of our lives. What will you do with this gift?
How many of you are familiar with the story of Adam and Eve? What happened to them? They violated the rule that
God had given them, (not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) and so they were sent out of the Garden of Eden. However, we usually forget that the first commandment that
God had given Adam and Eve were commandments of freedom! For example,
God said “Be fruitful and multiply!” Adam could also name all the animals whatever he wished for their names to be!
God also said, “You MAY eat of ANY of the trees in the Garden except…”
God’s commandments were meant for our good and protection. He set boundaries to keep us safe and secure, not to antagonize us or make us bitter. God Himself said in His Word, “Choose to trust Me and My Word and your life will overflow with blessings… I will command blessings upon your home and everything you do will succeed.” (Deuteronomy 28:1,8)
Right now, let’s take a few minutes to see what the Bible says about knowing and obeying God’s Word.
Please Read:
Psalm 119: 9-16; Psalm 19:7-11, Joshua 1:7-8; Psalm 1, Deuteronomy 28:1-8
In light of the things we have learned today about God’s Word, how many of you are willing to commit to start reading the Bible for just 5 minutes a day?
Reminder: There are 1440 minutes in 24 hours!
You are invited to Bible Studies and Worship Services at CCF:
CCF ST. FRANCIS SQUARE
4/F Saint Francis Square Tiangge Building
Julia Vargas Ave. cor Bank Drv.
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Tel: (63 2) 635-3410 to 17; (+632) 6333483; (+632) 6333484
Fax: (63 2) 635-3418
CCF St. Francis Website
CCF ALABANG
3F, CCF Bldg. Prime St.
Madrigal Business Park
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel: (63 2) 772-3035 to 39
Fax: (63 2) 772-3031
CCF Alabang Website
Other CCF Locations
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Congratulations Ronnie Alcano!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a rest from the NBA and the PBA, we would like to congratulate our country man, Ronnie Alcano for winning the 2006 World Pool Championships here in Manila. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Here is the road to the championships for Mr. Alcano.
Group Phase:
Lost: Luong Chi-dung (Vietnam) 8-7
Lost: Christian Reimering (Germany) 8-3
Won: Marcel Martens (Netherlands) 8-2 (He needed to lose only two racks to qualify)
Knockout Phase:
Roberto Gomez (Philippines) 10-1
Efren 'Bata' Reyes (Philippines) 10-7
Kuo Po-cheng (Taiwan) 11-5
Wu Chia-ching (Taiwan) 11-6
Li He-wen (China) 11-8
Championship:
Ralf Souquet (Germany) 17-11
Championship: Rack by Rack
1 - Alcano
2 - Alcano
3 - Alcano
4 - Souquet
5 - Alcano
6 - Souquet
7 - Alcano
8 - Alcano
9 - Alcano
10 - Alcano
11 - Souquet
12 - Alcano
13 - Souquet
14 - Souquet
15 - Alcano
16 - Alcano
17 - Alcano
18 - Souquet
19 - Alcano
20 - Alcano
21 - Souquet
22 - Souquet
23 - Souquet
24 - Alcano
25 - Souquet
26 - Alcano
27 - Souquet
28 - Alcano (Champion)
Here is the road to the championships for Mr. Alcano.
Group Phase:
Lost: Luong Chi-dung (Vietnam) 8-7
Lost: Christian Reimering (Germany) 8-3
Won: Marcel Martens (Netherlands) 8-2 (He needed to lose only two racks to qualify)
Knockout Phase:
Roberto Gomez (Philippines) 10-1
Efren 'Bata' Reyes (Philippines) 10-7
Kuo Po-cheng (Taiwan) 11-5
Wu Chia-ching (Taiwan) 11-6
Li He-wen (China) 11-8
Championship:
Ralf Souquet (Germany) 17-11
Championship: Rack by Rack
1 - Alcano
2 - Alcano
3 - Alcano
4 - Souquet
5 - Alcano
6 - Souquet
7 - Alcano
8 - Alcano
9 - Alcano
10 - Alcano
11 - Souquet
12 - Alcano
13 - Souquet
14 - Souquet
15 - Alcano
16 - Alcano
17 - Alcano
18 - Souquet
19 - Alcano
20 - Alcano
21 - Souquet
22 - Souquet
23 - Souquet
24 - Alcano
25 - Souquet
26 - Alcano
27 - Souquet
28 - Alcano (Champion)
Friday, November 10, 2006
We won...oops we lost and... we won again
Here is how the Knicks almost won and then lost and then...
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Beyond Basketball: Courage on the Soccer Field
We will now start a new series of videos called Beyond Basketball. These are videos about people from other sports besides basketball who exhibited courage in spite of the challenging conditions before them.
Our first video in this series features a one-armed lady soccer player, Judy Coffman. By the way she is also a good tennis player.
Our first video in this series features a one-armed lady soccer player, Judy Coffman. By the way she is also a good tennis player.
Monday, November 06, 2006
NBA Champions Through The Years
1947 - Philadelphia Warriors
1948 - Baltimore Bullets
1949 - Minneapolis Lakers
1950 - Minneapolis Lakers
1951 - Rochester Royals
1952 - Minneapolis Lakers
1953 - Minneapolis Lakers
1954 - Minneapolis Lakers
1955 - Syracuse Nationals
1956 - Philadelphia Warriors
1957 - Boston Celtics
1958 - St. Louis Hawks
1959 - Boston Celtics
1960 - Boston Celtics
1961 - Boston Celtics
1962 - Boston Celtics
1963 - Boston Celtics
1964 - Boston Celtics
1965 - Boston Celtics
1966 - Boston Celtics
1967 - Philadelphia 76ers
1968 - Boston Celtics
1969 - Boston Celtics
1970 - New York Knicks
1971 - Milwaukee Bucks
1972 - Los Angeles Lakers
1973 - New York Knicks
1974 - Boston Celtics
1975 - Golden State Warriors
1976 - Boston Celtics
1977 - Portland Trail Blazers
1978 - Washington Bullets
1979 - Seattle Super Sonics
1980 - Los Angeles Lakers
1981 - Boston Celtics
1982 - Los Angeles Lakers
1983 - Philadelphia 76ers
1984 - Boston Celtics
1985 - Los Angeles Lakers
1986 - Boston Celtics
1987 - Los Angeles Lakers
1988 - Los Angeles Lakers
1989 - Detroit Pistons
1990 - Detroit Pistons
1991 - Chicago Bulls
1992 - Chicago Bulls
1993 - Chicago Bulls
1994 - Houston Rockets
1995 - Houston Rockets
1996 - Chicago Bulls
1997 - Chicago Bulls
1998 - Chicago Bulls
1999 - San Antonio Spurs
2000 - Los Angeles Lakers
2001 - Los Angeles Lakers
2002 - Los Angeles Lakers
2003 - San Antonio Spurs
2004 - Detroit Pistons
2005 - San Antonio Spurs
2006 - Miami Heat
2007 - San Antonio Spurs
Source: http://www.jadusport.de/basketball/nba.html
1948 - Baltimore Bullets
1949 - Minneapolis Lakers
1950 - Minneapolis Lakers
1951 - Rochester Royals
1952 - Minneapolis Lakers
1953 - Minneapolis Lakers
1954 - Minneapolis Lakers
1955 - Syracuse Nationals
1956 - Philadelphia Warriors
1957 - Boston Celtics
1958 - St. Louis Hawks
1959 - Boston Celtics
1960 - Boston Celtics
1961 - Boston Celtics
1962 - Boston Celtics
1963 - Boston Celtics
1964 - Boston Celtics
1965 - Boston Celtics
1966 - Boston Celtics
1967 - Philadelphia 76ers
1968 - Boston Celtics
1969 - Boston Celtics
1970 - New York Knicks
1971 - Milwaukee Bucks
1972 - Los Angeles Lakers
1973 - New York Knicks
1974 - Boston Celtics
1975 - Golden State Warriors
1976 - Boston Celtics
1977 - Portland Trail Blazers
1978 - Washington Bullets
1979 - Seattle Super Sonics
1980 - Los Angeles Lakers
1981 - Boston Celtics
1982 - Los Angeles Lakers
1983 - Philadelphia 76ers
1984 - Boston Celtics
1985 - Los Angeles Lakers
1986 - Boston Celtics
1987 - Los Angeles Lakers
1988 - Los Angeles Lakers
1989 - Detroit Pistons
1990 - Detroit Pistons
1991 - Chicago Bulls
1992 - Chicago Bulls
1993 - Chicago Bulls
1994 - Houston Rockets
1995 - Houston Rockets
1996 - Chicago Bulls
1997 - Chicago Bulls
1998 - Chicago Bulls
1999 - San Antonio Spurs
2000 - Los Angeles Lakers
2001 - Los Angeles Lakers
2002 - Los Angeles Lakers
2003 - San Antonio Spurs
2004 - Detroit Pistons
2005 - San Antonio Spurs
2006 - Miami Heat
2007 - San Antonio Spurs
Source: http://www.jadusport.de/basketball/nba.html
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Shooting Three Pointers
In our next video, Donyell Marshall gives some tips on how to be an effective three point shooter.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
Article from CCF
Is there a relationship between strength and conditioning to the performance of an athlete? Does it play a key role in an athlete or team’s quest for success in competition? Has it been a factor for YOU and your team, so far while you have been playing in this league?
The Olympic games is the most spectacular international sports spectacle which is held every four years. Only the best and brightest qualify, set foot, and compete in this most prestigious sports competition. Athletes who wish to represent the country must be willing to pay the price. They have to subject themselves to the most rigorous training regimen, which will enable them to be in the best shape of their lives and have the advantage against their competitors.
What are some of the factors does an athlete have to take into consideration if he wants to be in the best competitive shape possible? In other words, what must he do and not do to be ready for competition? (Wait for reply or ask certain members of the team. Below are some suggested answers you should look out for:)
1) PROPER PRACTICE- Improper practice makes PERMANENT but PROPER PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
2) WORKING OUT- Toning the muscle and eliminating the fat will make one better, faster and stronger for competition. (A probable exception might be Sumo wrestling).
3) HEALTHY DIET- An athlete needs to be watchful of the composition of his food intake because it will inevitably affect his body, whether for good or bad. That’s why teams and coaches nowadays hire dieticians that advise players of the amount of proteins and carbohydrates and vitamins that will complement the training regimen and strengthen the athlete and enhance his physical condition.
4) GOOD SLEEPING HABITS- No matter how strong or gifted an athlete is, his body needs to have the proper amount of rest so that it can recover, both physically and mentally. Sleep is vital in enabling the body to function at its peak performance. In fact, poor performance and many severe injuries can be avoided if the athlete is responsible to give proper care to his body through the right amount of rest.
5) MENTAL CONDITIONING- An athlete must have the right mindset, the passion, commitment and the drive necessary to accomplish his goals. He must be prepared and willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve the goals that he sets for himself.
The Bible says in the book of Hebrews. “…Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out before us…”(Hebrews 12:1)
108 years after the very first Olympic games started in Greece, the international sporting event is back where it all began. But did you know what runners wore in ancient Greece when they competed for the prize? . They wore absolutely NOTHING! Not only were they barefoot, but they ran around naked, literally! That’s because the competitors wanted to be as light and unhindered as possible realizing that it was a grueling path that lay before them and that they had to be free of any encumbrance in order to emerge victorious in the race.
During our generation, swimmers shave all facial and body hairs because they found out that it could slow them down when they compete. And in competitions such as theirs, every 1/100th of a second matters! Some of them even wear body suits that have been authorized, probably designed to have the water slide off their bodies and enabling them to glide through the water with the least amount of resistance as possible. Here, we get a glimpse of what the author of Hebrews means when he says: … throw off everything that hinders…”
But not only are we to “throw off” that which hinders us, but we are to “put on the new self created to be like Christ Jesus.” Paul uses the metaphor of a race when he talks about the Christian life because he knows that in order for us to run the race of life well, we have to be in good spiritual condition. Unless we prepare ourselves well, we will inevitably stumble and fall or simply end up quitting the race.
And so it is in the Race of Life. The Apostle Paul says, “Do you not know that in a race, the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”(1 Corinthians 9: 24)
Today, we will learn 4 very simple yet profound principles that will get you in shape and ready to run the Race of Life and finish it with a flourish! These Four principles are summed up in what we call CROSS TRAINING. We have coined the phrase Cross training because this will help us remember the 4 simple principles: 4 arrows that go in four different directions, which form a CROSS.
As we talk about these 4 principles, the Bible itself puts it all in perspective when it declares, “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”(1 Timothy 4:8)
NORTHBOUND ARROW ^ —This symbolizes us communicating to God through PRAYER. Prayer is the backbone of a Christian’s life. A prayerless life is a powerless life, and if we fail to pray, we are telling God that we don’t need Him and can make it on our own. In fact, the bible commands us to “pray without ceasing (continually)”, and “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6.). God wants to bless us more than we want to bless ourselves, but sometimes because we forget to pray, we are not able to receive all the blessings God has available for us. If we fail to pray, we are like hi-tech electrical appliance that is not plugged in to the electrical outlet.
SOUTHBOUND ARROW—This symbolizes how God communicates to us—through His Word, the Bible. Every player needs a coach who will tell him what to do to maximize his potential and what the game plan is. What would happen if a player refuses to listen to his coach, or is just plain ignorant of what the coach wants him to do? He will mess up the team and end up humiliating himself and others. He will also end up sitting on the bench until he learns to follow the coach’s instructions. Do you want to be usable for God in building His eternal kingdom or a benchwarmer watching from the sidelines? Paul reminded his young apprentice Timothy that, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16,17).
EASTBOUND ARROW-------> Symbolizes us communicating and growing together in the faith with other Christians. This is called FELLOWSHIP. This is actually a crucial component of our strength and conditioning as a Christian. When we see more mature believers living out the Bible right before us, it encourages us to live for God. When we hear stories or testimonies of how God worked in the life of another person, we are motivated to follow in his or her footsteps because we realize that we are serving a living God who is involved in each one of our lives. And when more people are gathered together for fellowship, the impact is even more dynamic! This phenomenon is called Synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The bible says “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshipping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25). As a practical application, many members of this basketball team actually meet together within the week to fellowship and study the bible together. You are most welcome and encouraged to join us as we seek to grow in the Lord together and help each other run the Race of Life ‘til the end. King David himself exclaimed in one of his songs, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
WESTBOUND ARROW <-------------- Symbolizes how we should be communicating our faith and relationship with God to those people who may not yet have a personal relationship with the Lord. This is called WITNESSING. A witness is one who talks about what he has personally seen, heard and experienced. This is often the most neglected part of Cross-training but it is just as vital as the other components. God has not yet taken us into heaven after we came to know Him in a personal way because He wants us to stay here for a mission—and that is to talk to others about the forgiveness and salvation that God offers through His Son Jesus Christ. And when we do this, God honors it by causing the growth in our lives. Listen to what one of the New Testament writers says, “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you may have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (Philemon 6). As an athlete, we may not be getting all the vitamins and nourishment vital to our strength and conditioning if we fail to share our faith to other people through witnessing. Just like taking the game winning free throws can be frightening, doing this can really be scary, but imagine the rejoicing that will take place after you are able to do your part because you have practiced well. After all, all God asks is for your availability!
The Christian race is not a difficult one—it is impossible! Only Jesus Christ can live it, but we can persevere in His power and strength by making sure we are in the best spiritual condition possible. As we end, let’s read what the Apostle Paul said: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
You are invited to Bible Studies and Worship Services at CCF:
CCF ST. FRANCIS SQUARE
4/F Saint Francis Square Tiangge Building
Julia Vargas Ave. cor Bank Drv.
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Tel: (63 2) 635-3410 to 17; (+632) 6333483; (+632) 6333484
Fax: (63 2) 635-3418
CCF St. Francis Website
CCF ALABANG
3F, CCF Bldg. Prime St.
Madrigal Business Park
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel: (63 2) 772-3035 to 39
Fax: (63 2) 772-3031
CCF Alabang Website
Other CCF Locations
Is there a relationship between strength and conditioning to the performance of an athlete? Does it play a key role in an athlete or team’s quest for success in competition? Has it been a factor for YOU and your team, so far while you have been playing in this league?
The Olympic games is the most spectacular international sports spectacle which is held every four years. Only the best and brightest qualify, set foot, and compete in this most prestigious sports competition. Athletes who wish to represent the country must be willing to pay the price. They have to subject themselves to the most rigorous training regimen, which will enable them to be in the best shape of their lives and have the advantage against their competitors.
What are some of the factors does an athlete have to take into consideration if he wants to be in the best competitive shape possible? In other words, what must he do and not do to be ready for competition? (Wait for reply or ask certain members of the team. Below are some suggested answers you should look out for:)
1) PROPER PRACTICE- Improper practice makes PERMANENT but PROPER PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
2) WORKING OUT- Toning the muscle and eliminating the fat will make one better, faster and stronger for competition. (A probable exception might be Sumo wrestling).
3) HEALTHY DIET- An athlete needs to be watchful of the composition of his food intake because it will inevitably affect his body, whether for good or bad. That’s why teams and coaches nowadays hire dieticians that advise players of the amount of proteins and carbohydrates and vitamins that will complement the training regimen and strengthen the athlete and enhance his physical condition.
4) GOOD SLEEPING HABITS- No matter how strong or gifted an athlete is, his body needs to have the proper amount of rest so that it can recover, both physically and mentally. Sleep is vital in enabling the body to function at its peak performance. In fact, poor performance and many severe injuries can be avoided if the athlete is responsible to give proper care to his body through the right amount of rest.
5) MENTAL CONDITIONING- An athlete must have the right mindset, the passion, commitment and the drive necessary to accomplish his goals. He must be prepared and willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve the goals that he sets for himself.
The Bible says in the book of Hebrews. “…Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out before us…”(Hebrews 12:1)
108 years after the very first Olympic games started in Greece, the international sporting event is back where it all began. But did you know what runners wore in ancient Greece when they competed for the prize? . They wore absolutely NOTHING! Not only were they barefoot, but they ran around naked, literally! That’s because the competitors wanted to be as light and unhindered as possible realizing that it was a grueling path that lay before them and that they had to be free of any encumbrance in order to emerge victorious in the race.
During our generation, swimmers shave all facial and body hairs because they found out that it could slow them down when they compete. And in competitions such as theirs, every 1/100th of a second matters! Some of them even wear body suits that have been authorized, probably designed to have the water slide off their bodies and enabling them to glide through the water with the least amount of resistance as possible. Here, we get a glimpse of what the author of Hebrews means when he says: … throw off everything that hinders…”
But not only are we to “throw off” that which hinders us, but we are to “put on the new self created to be like Christ Jesus.” Paul uses the metaphor of a race when he talks about the Christian life because he knows that in order for us to run the race of life well, we have to be in good spiritual condition. Unless we prepare ourselves well, we will inevitably stumble and fall or simply end up quitting the race.
And so it is in the Race of Life. The Apostle Paul says, “Do you not know that in a race, the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”(1 Corinthians 9: 24)
Today, we will learn 4 very simple yet profound principles that will get you in shape and ready to run the Race of Life and finish it with a flourish! These Four principles are summed up in what we call CROSS TRAINING. We have coined the phrase Cross training because this will help us remember the 4 simple principles: 4 arrows that go in four different directions, which form a CROSS.
As we talk about these 4 principles, the Bible itself puts it all in perspective when it declares, “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”(1 Timothy 4:8)
NORTHBOUND ARROW ^ —This symbolizes us communicating to God through PRAYER. Prayer is the backbone of a Christian’s life. A prayerless life is a powerless life, and if we fail to pray, we are telling God that we don’t need Him and can make it on our own. In fact, the bible commands us to “pray without ceasing (continually)”, and “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6.). God wants to bless us more than we want to bless ourselves, but sometimes because we forget to pray, we are not able to receive all the blessings God has available for us. If we fail to pray, we are like hi-tech electrical appliance that is not plugged in to the electrical outlet.
SOUTHBOUND ARROW—This symbolizes how God communicates to us—through His Word, the Bible. Every player needs a coach who will tell him what to do to maximize his potential and what the game plan is. What would happen if a player refuses to listen to his coach, or is just plain ignorant of what the coach wants him to do? He will mess up the team and end up humiliating himself and others. He will also end up sitting on the bench until he learns to follow the coach’s instructions. Do you want to be usable for God in building His eternal kingdom or a benchwarmer watching from the sidelines? Paul reminded his young apprentice Timothy that, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16,17).
EASTBOUND ARROW-------> Symbolizes us communicating and growing together in the faith with other Christians. This is called FELLOWSHIP. This is actually a crucial component of our strength and conditioning as a Christian. When we see more mature believers living out the Bible right before us, it encourages us to live for God. When we hear stories or testimonies of how God worked in the life of another person, we are motivated to follow in his or her footsteps because we realize that we are serving a living God who is involved in each one of our lives. And when more people are gathered together for fellowship, the impact is even more dynamic! This phenomenon is called Synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The bible says “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshipping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25). As a practical application, many members of this basketball team actually meet together within the week to fellowship and study the bible together. You are most welcome and encouraged to join us as we seek to grow in the Lord together and help each other run the Race of Life ‘til the end. King David himself exclaimed in one of his songs, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
WESTBOUND ARROW <-------------- Symbolizes how we should be communicating our faith and relationship with God to those people who may not yet have a personal relationship with the Lord. This is called WITNESSING. A witness is one who talks about what he has personally seen, heard and experienced. This is often the most neglected part of Cross-training but it is just as vital as the other components. God has not yet taken us into heaven after we came to know Him in a personal way because He wants us to stay here for a mission—and that is to talk to others about the forgiveness and salvation that God offers through His Son Jesus Christ. And when we do this, God honors it by causing the growth in our lives. Listen to what one of the New Testament writers says, “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you may have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (Philemon 6). As an athlete, we may not be getting all the vitamins and nourishment vital to our strength and conditioning if we fail to share our faith to other people through witnessing. Just like taking the game winning free throws can be frightening, doing this can really be scary, but imagine the rejoicing that will take place after you are able to do your part because you have practiced well. After all, all God asks is for your availability!
The Christian race is not a difficult one—it is impossible! Only Jesus Christ can live it, but we can persevere in His power and strength by making sure we are in the best spiritual condition possible. As we end, let’s read what the Apostle Paul said: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
You are invited to Bible Studies and Worship Services at CCF:
CCF ST. FRANCIS SQUARE
4/F Saint Francis Square Tiangge Building
Julia Vargas Ave. cor Bank Drv.
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Tel: (63 2) 635-3410 to 17; (+632) 6333483; (+632) 6333484
Fax: (63 2) 635-3418
CCF St. Francis Website
CCF ALABANG
3F, CCF Bldg. Prime St.
Madrigal Business Park
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel: (63 2) 772-3035 to 39
Fax: (63 2) 772-3031
CCF Alabang Website
Other CCF Locations
NBA Quick Highlights 1
NBA quick highlights will features some of the great plays from games of the previous day. So better catch them here at HoopsTV.
Videos from kissingslits of Youtube.
Tyrus Thomas Put Back vs. Miami
Sefolosha Dunk
Wade Crossover
Videos from kissingslits of Youtube.
Tyrus Thomas Put Back vs. Miami
Sefolosha Dunk
Wade Crossover
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
NBA.com - Pick One Challenge
Just to get into the NBA mood, I am joining NBA.com's PICK ONE CHALLENGE. It is a simplified version of a fantasy league.
Basic Rule:
1. Pick one player per game day based on the teams who will for that day.
2. You get to pick only a particular player once for the whole season.
3. Points = Points + Rebounds + Assists (Double Points for Rookie of the Week)
Rules in Detail
My Team Name is of course HoopsTV-Blogspot. I joined the "my philippines" league consisted of 12 teams including HoopsTV-Blogspot.
My Picks for the Week:
10/31 - Raja Bell
11/01 - Smush Parker
11/02 - Andre Miller
11/03 - Delonte West
11/04 - Stephon Marbury
11/05 - Jordan Farmar
Basic Rule:
1. Pick one player per game day based on the teams who will for that day.
2. You get to pick only a particular player once for the whole season.
3. Points = Points + Rebounds + Assists (Double Points for Rookie of the Week)
Rules in Detail
My Team Name is of course HoopsTV-Blogspot. I joined the "my philippines" league consisted of 12 teams including HoopsTV-Blogspot.
My Picks for the Week:
10/31 - Raja Bell
11/01 - Smush Parker
11/02 - Andre Miller
11/03 - Delonte West
11/04 - Stephon Marbury
11/05 - Jordan Farmar
Game Time
After all the countdown videos and anticipation, game day is finally here and we finish off our NBA lookout with a series of videos to get you excited for the season.
Filipino Sets Guinness Dribbling Record
New Record: 45 hours and 22 minutes by Erwin Evangelista of the Philippines
Old Record: 26-hours, 40-minutes by Joseph Odhiambo of Kenya
from the Philippine Star:
Erwin Evangelista outdribbled Cebu’s Rey Gubaton in a marathon duel, bouncing a basketball for 45 hours and 22 minutes and eclipsing the 26-hour, 40-minute feat set by former Kenyan national cager Joseph Odhiambo in the Guinness World Records during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston last February. MORE...
Old Record: 26-hours, 40-minutes by Joseph Odhiambo of Kenya
from the Philippine Star:
Erwin Evangelista outdribbled Cebu’s Rey Gubaton in a marathon duel, bouncing a basketball for 45 hours and 22 minutes and eclipsing the 26-hour, 40-minute feat set by former Kenyan national cager Joseph Odhiambo in the Guinness World Records during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston last February. MORE...
Monday, October 30, 2006
Its Tomorrow!!!!! Important NBA Questions
The NBA opens tomorrow and our last funny clip is a collection of short interviews by Ali G. You will get a kick out of this one.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
THE ULTIMATE COACH
Article from Christ Commission Fellowship
Who in your opinion is the greatest coach ever and why? Red Auerbach, legendary coach of the fabled Boston Celtics was untouchable with 9 NBA rings. It was only in the past years that Phil Jackson who has coached both the Bulls and Lakers, has managed to tie his record and was on the verge of breaking it until he was derailed by the upstart Detroit Pistons. Larry Brown who eventually won the title, ranks as one of coaches who owns the best winning percentage of a coach who has never won an NBA title, until this year.
What are some of the qualities of a great coach? (Brings out the best in his players, is able to unite his team, can be respected by his players, disciplines his players well, relates well to players and understands them, good motivator).
What do you think would happen if a player suddenly decides that he knows better than his coach and does his own thing on the court? For example, the coach designs his offense in a way where he wants to minimize dribbling and wants sharp and crisp passes to elude the defense and hit the person with the open shot. What if a player decides that he wants to put on a dribbling display to impress the audience and takes the shot in the last 2 seconds of the shot clock without even letting his teammates touch the ball?
Or have you heard of Latrell Sprewell who decided his coach was expendable and started choking him?! Of course, all earthly coaches are fallible and imperfect and we can sometimes struggle to obey them.
However, the Bible talks about a different kind of Coach… More than a coach, He is called the Counselor, the One whom Jesus sent after He ascended into heaven. The Lord said that He, the Holy Spirit was the One who would grant us supernatural power from on high, and would lead us into all Truth.
But there is a big difference-- unlike earthly coaches who are imperfect, and simply formulates strategies and give instructions from the sidelines, the Spirit's presence is WITH US and EMPOWERS US as we step into our earthly hardcourt and play our part in the game of life.
How many of you wished you had more POWER in your life? All of us, I'm sure, but more often than not, it's sad to say, our lives are characterized by this (show a deflated basketball). What can you say about this basketball? What was this basketball meant to do? Would any of you want to practice with this ball? What would happen if you used this ball to practice, or in a game? Notice that no matter how expensive the material you use to produce this basketball, WITHOUT air, it will be of no use at all. So it is with our lives. Jesus Christ himself says, "I am the Vine, you are the branches. Apart from Me, you can do nothing."(John 15:5).
The Bible further commands us not to be drunk with wine but to "be filled with the Spirit."(Ephesians 5:18). Do you sometimes feel frustrated when you want to do something that you know is right, but oftentimes, end up doing the opposite? Do you lose your temper, abandon self-control, or sometimes are overcome by your own lustful desires? Do you sometimes feel enslaved by habitual sins or struggle with bitterness? As the saying goes, "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."
It has been said that "The Christian life is not difficult to live-- it is impossible." But frustration and defeat need not characterize our lives. We can actually draw upon the infinite resources that God has for us to live the Christian life.
A few years ago, a hurricane hit a certain part of the United States, which left the town devastated. Homes were destroyed, cars flew away from the force of the winds, trees were uprooted and telephone poles went down. After the calamity had left, investigators searched the rubble and wreckage, and they were surprised to find a very curious sight. A strand of hay was found to have pierced and was lodged inside a rugged and seemingly impenetrable telephone pole. Investigators were clueless and awe-struck as they sought to figure out this mystery. It was only later when they realized what had truly happened-- the incredible force of the hurricane's howling winds propelled the small, insignificant piece of limp hay right into the solid trunk of the telephone pole.
This is a picture of what our lives can be, if fully submitted to the strength and influence of the Holy Spirit. Though we may sometimes feel weak and insignificant, when controlled by the power of God's Holy Spirit, we can "do even greater things" than what Jesus said He Himself has done.
If you want to learn to live the abundant and fruitful life that God designed you to live, it's as simple as breathing: What are the two components of spiritual breathing? Exhale and Inhale.
When we EXHALE, we let out the impure. What we are actually doing is confessing our sins-- remember our last lesson? Deal with sin in your life because God cannot fill a dirty vessel. If the cup of your life is filled with mud, God won't be able to fill it with sparkling clean and refreshing water.
What does INHALING involve? When we inhale, we are asking the Holy Spirit to fill our lives. Being filled with the Holy Spirit does not mean that you have "this much" of the Holy Spirit. In reality, it means how much of the Holy Spirit has of YOU!!!
Right now, if you are tired of living this kind of a powerless life (show deflated basketball), and wish to live this kind of a life (bounce an inflated basketball), and you want to be useful for the Lord and His kingdom, I want to invite you to surrender the control of your life to the Holy Spirit. You can do that by expressing something like this:
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have been in control of my own life, and as a result, I have sinned against you. But I am tired of my powerless and aimless life. I realize that apart from You, I can do nothing, and I am nothing. I want to surrender the control of my life to you, and ask you to be my Head Coach. I trust that you have the best plans for me, and that only you can enable me to live the life that you have designed for me to live. I ask your Holy Spirit to fill and empower me, just as you commanded me to be filled, and promised to fill me if I asked in faith. I pray all these things in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
If you asked the Holy Spirit to fill your life today, you will experience more and more of His presence and power in your life. The Bible says that "God has given us a Spirit of love, of power and of a sound mind"(2 Tim 1:7), and "the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."(Galatians 5:22-23). This kind of genuine power will manifest itself in your life more and more as you learn to walk with God daily in your life!
Who in your opinion is the greatest coach ever and why? Red Auerbach, legendary coach of the fabled Boston Celtics was untouchable with 9 NBA rings. It was only in the past years that Phil Jackson who has coached both the Bulls and Lakers, has managed to tie his record and was on the verge of breaking it until he was derailed by the upstart Detroit Pistons. Larry Brown who eventually won the title, ranks as one of coaches who owns the best winning percentage of a coach who has never won an NBA title, until this year.
What are some of the qualities of a great coach? (Brings out the best in his players, is able to unite his team, can be respected by his players, disciplines his players well, relates well to players and understands them, good motivator).
What do you think would happen if a player suddenly decides that he knows better than his coach and does his own thing on the court? For example, the coach designs his offense in a way where he wants to minimize dribbling and wants sharp and crisp passes to elude the defense and hit the person with the open shot. What if a player decides that he wants to put on a dribbling display to impress the audience and takes the shot in the last 2 seconds of the shot clock without even letting his teammates touch the ball?
Or have you heard of Latrell Sprewell who decided his coach was expendable and started choking him?! Of course, all earthly coaches are fallible and imperfect and we can sometimes struggle to obey them.
However, the Bible talks about a different kind of Coach… More than a coach, He is called the Counselor, the One whom Jesus sent after He ascended into heaven. The Lord said that He, the Holy Spirit was the One who would grant us supernatural power from on high, and would lead us into all Truth.
But there is a big difference-- unlike earthly coaches who are imperfect, and simply formulates strategies and give instructions from the sidelines, the Spirit's presence is WITH US and EMPOWERS US as we step into our earthly hardcourt and play our part in the game of life.
How many of you wished you had more POWER in your life? All of us, I'm sure, but more often than not, it's sad to say, our lives are characterized by this (show a deflated basketball). What can you say about this basketball? What was this basketball meant to do? Would any of you want to practice with this ball? What would happen if you used this ball to practice, or in a game? Notice that no matter how expensive the material you use to produce this basketball, WITHOUT air, it will be of no use at all. So it is with our lives. Jesus Christ himself says, "I am the Vine, you are the branches. Apart from Me, you can do nothing."(John 15:5).
The Bible further commands us not to be drunk with wine but to "be filled with the Spirit."(Ephesians 5:18). Do you sometimes feel frustrated when you want to do something that you know is right, but oftentimes, end up doing the opposite? Do you lose your temper, abandon self-control, or sometimes are overcome by your own lustful desires? Do you sometimes feel enslaved by habitual sins or struggle with bitterness? As the saying goes, "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."
It has been said that "The Christian life is not difficult to live-- it is impossible." But frustration and defeat need not characterize our lives. We can actually draw upon the infinite resources that God has for us to live the Christian life.
A few years ago, a hurricane hit a certain part of the United States, which left the town devastated. Homes were destroyed, cars flew away from the force of the winds, trees were uprooted and telephone poles went down. After the calamity had left, investigators searched the rubble and wreckage, and they were surprised to find a very curious sight. A strand of hay was found to have pierced and was lodged inside a rugged and seemingly impenetrable telephone pole. Investigators were clueless and awe-struck as they sought to figure out this mystery. It was only later when they realized what had truly happened-- the incredible force of the hurricane's howling winds propelled the small, insignificant piece of limp hay right into the solid trunk of the telephone pole.
This is a picture of what our lives can be, if fully submitted to the strength and influence of the Holy Spirit. Though we may sometimes feel weak and insignificant, when controlled by the power of God's Holy Spirit, we can "do even greater things" than what Jesus said He Himself has done.
If you want to learn to live the abundant and fruitful life that God designed you to live, it's as simple as breathing: What are the two components of spiritual breathing? Exhale and Inhale.
When we EXHALE, we let out the impure. What we are actually doing is confessing our sins-- remember our last lesson? Deal with sin in your life because God cannot fill a dirty vessel. If the cup of your life is filled with mud, God won't be able to fill it with sparkling clean and refreshing water.
What does INHALING involve? When we inhale, we are asking the Holy Spirit to fill our lives. Being filled with the Holy Spirit does not mean that you have "this much" of the Holy Spirit. In reality, it means how much of the Holy Spirit has of YOU!!!
Right now, if you are tired of living this kind of a powerless life (show deflated basketball), and wish to live this kind of a life (bounce an inflated basketball), and you want to be useful for the Lord and His kingdom, I want to invite you to surrender the control of your life to the Holy Spirit. You can do that by expressing something like this:
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have been in control of my own life, and as a result, I have sinned against you. But I am tired of my powerless and aimless life. I realize that apart from You, I can do nothing, and I am nothing. I want to surrender the control of my life to you, and ask you to be my Head Coach. I trust that you have the best plans for me, and that only you can enable me to live the life that you have designed for me to live. I ask your Holy Spirit to fill and empower me, just as you commanded me to be filled, and promised to fill me if I asked in faith. I pray all these things in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
If you asked the Holy Spirit to fill your life today, you will experience more and more of His presence and power in your life. The Bible says that "God has given us a Spirit of love, of power and of a sound mind"(2 Tim 1:7), and "the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."(Galatians 5:22-23). This kind of genuine power will manifest itself in your life more and more as you learn to walk with God daily in your life!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
5 Days To Go! C'mon Knicks
Here is a funny Knicks commercial, showing Tennis legend, John McEnroe, pumping up New York's Quentin Richardson to play harder. The commercial was done last year during the brief stay of Larry Brown.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
6 Days To Go! Teaching Nutrition to Cartoons
In this video segment, Steve Francis teaches about healthy eating on the Cartoon Network!
Monday, October 23, 2006
7 Days To Go! It's Back To NBA School Everyone
This commercial was obviously made before Lebron James has actually made the playoffs. Lebron makes fun of himself and the dilemma of the Cavaliers at that time.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
8 Days To Go! Garnett vs Everybody
This is a video showing Kevin Garnett against the whole town! And yes something a little bit more...
Saturday, October 21, 2006
9 Days To Go! How You Say That
Before the season starts, you may want to know how to pronounce some of the names certain NBA players. Here is a game cooked up between Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith to teach you some hard to pronounce names of certain players.
Friday, October 20, 2006
10 Days to go: Pick Your Team Mates
A backyard basketball game usually starts with picking your team mates for the game. He might have been picked number 3 in the NBA draft but it's a whole new ball game when it comes to your friendly neighborhood rivals!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Announcement: 10 Day NBA FUNNY Countdown
Starting tomorrow we will countdown the days to the opening of the NBA's regular season games. Unlike other countdowns, we will show funny videos of the NBA so stay tune tommorrow for the start of this feature! (Image from of mommytoo at Stock.XCHNG)
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
CONFESSION
Article from Christ Commission Fellowship
In the movie Troy, one of the main characters in the movie is Achilles, reputed to be the greatest warrior in the world. Achilles, played by Brad Pitt was a legend in his time. He defeated ominous giants with a single blow and could single-handedly slay an army of Trojan soldiers with impunity. Just the mere mention of his name struck fear in the hearts of his enemies. He seemed invincible, but Achilles had one weakness. Legend has it that when his mother dipped him in the River of Immortality as an infant, she held him by the heel, which left it vulnerable. And as you saw in the movie, the arrow that pierced his heel was what eventually caused his unlikely death. Hence we have the term, "Achilles' heel."
What about you? How many of you have weaknesses in your life? Well, welcome to the club! Obviously, none of us have achieved perfection, and we fall flat in our face many times, and for most of us, we fail over and over again. Weakness is not an option, it's a given.
So the more important question we need to ask is not if we have a weakness, but how do we deal with it? What do you suppose would happen to a good player if after his coach corrects him and shows him areas he needs to improve, still refuses to work on his game. He will start becoming less and less effective as a player for the team. The opponents will take advantage of his weaknesses. His coach will give him less and less playing time, because he has become a liability to the team, until someone takes his place on the court, and he starts riding the bench. Eventually, he may be cut from the team completely.
How many of us want to be either benchwarmers of losers? Obviously no one, and in the game we call life, we must also deal with weaknesses or imperfections in our life. The bible calls it a 3-letter word-- SIN. Sin literally means, "missing the mark."
Remember what we discussed last week, about how we can have CONFIDENCE because of what Christ has done for us on the cross? That our security and permanent relationship depends on the victory He won for us when we accepted His payment for our sins? But sometimes, even though we are sincerely seeking to walk with the Lord and please Him, we can be tempted and end up sinning. When this happens, our relationship with God is unaffected, but our fellowship with God is broken.
For example, a son decides one day to disobey his father, to leaves the safety of their home. Would he still be his father's son? (Yes, of course). The relationship of the father and son remains, no matter what happens. But what would happen to their fellowship? (It would be strained, broken, hindered). What would be the consequences for the son? (Even though the father still loves him, the son won't be able to experience the benefits of the father's love. He can't live in the father's home nor enjoy his provision and protection, even though the father may want to make it available to him.)
So it is with our relationship with God! The moment we received Jesus Christ into our hearts, we are adopted into God's family, not because of any good thing we have done but because of the Name of Jesus.
But we need to deal with sin in our lives, or we may become like the player who becomes ineffective and unproductive for his team and coach, or like Achilles who met his downfall because of his vulnerability.
The Bible says: " He who conceals his sin will not prosper."
Its also says, "If we confess our sins, He is just and faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."(1 John 1:9)
Confession involves 3 things:
1) Agree 2) Thank 3) Repent
Agree with God that what He has revealed to you as sin IS SIN. Don' rationalize or justify but acknowledge. (The Greek translation of the word confess means "to say the same thing.")
Thank God that He has forgiven all your sins, past, present and future because of what Jesus Christ has done on the cross-- His blood is the only currency God accepts as payment for your sin.
Repent- A change of attitude about the sin, which results in a change of action. It's a 180-degree turn and a sincere desire to turn away from that sin because it displeases God.
Right now, I'd like to give a chance to all of you who want to take some time to confess and acknowledge sin in your life to God. Maybe the Holy Spirit has spoken to your heart and you want to surrender areas of your life or secret sins that you may be harboring. Now is the time to make it right. Humble yourself and ask for the Lord's cleansing in your life. Experience the depth of His love by asking for His forgiveness.
----------------
Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
-----------------
Psalm 103:8-13
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
In the movie Troy, one of the main characters in the movie is Achilles, reputed to be the greatest warrior in the world. Achilles, played by Brad Pitt was a legend in his time. He defeated ominous giants with a single blow and could single-handedly slay an army of Trojan soldiers with impunity. Just the mere mention of his name struck fear in the hearts of his enemies. He seemed invincible, but Achilles had one weakness. Legend has it that when his mother dipped him in the River of Immortality as an infant, she held him by the heel, which left it vulnerable. And as you saw in the movie, the arrow that pierced his heel was what eventually caused his unlikely death. Hence we have the term, "Achilles' heel."
What about you? How many of you have weaknesses in your life? Well, welcome to the club! Obviously, none of us have achieved perfection, and we fall flat in our face many times, and for most of us, we fail over and over again. Weakness is not an option, it's a given.
So the more important question we need to ask is not if we have a weakness, but how do we deal with it? What do you suppose would happen to a good player if after his coach corrects him and shows him areas he needs to improve, still refuses to work on his game. He will start becoming less and less effective as a player for the team. The opponents will take advantage of his weaknesses. His coach will give him less and less playing time, because he has become a liability to the team, until someone takes his place on the court, and he starts riding the bench. Eventually, he may be cut from the team completely.
How many of us want to be either benchwarmers of losers? Obviously no one, and in the game we call life, we must also deal with weaknesses or imperfections in our life. The bible calls it a 3-letter word-- SIN. Sin literally means, "missing the mark."
Remember what we discussed last week, about how we can have CONFIDENCE because of what Christ has done for us on the cross? That our security and permanent relationship depends on the victory He won for us when we accepted His payment for our sins? But sometimes, even though we are sincerely seeking to walk with the Lord and please Him, we can be tempted and end up sinning. When this happens, our relationship with God is unaffected, but our fellowship with God is broken.
For example, a son decides one day to disobey his father, to leaves the safety of their home. Would he still be his father's son? (Yes, of course). The relationship of the father and son remains, no matter what happens. But what would happen to their fellowship? (It would be strained, broken, hindered). What would be the consequences for the son? (Even though the father still loves him, the son won't be able to experience the benefits of the father's love. He can't live in the father's home nor enjoy his provision and protection, even though the father may want to make it available to him.)
So it is with our relationship with God! The moment we received Jesus Christ into our hearts, we are adopted into God's family, not because of any good thing we have done but because of the Name of Jesus.
But we need to deal with sin in our lives, or we may become like the player who becomes ineffective and unproductive for his team and coach, or like Achilles who met his downfall because of his vulnerability.
The Bible says: " He who conceals his sin will not prosper."
Its also says, "If we confess our sins, He is just and faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."(1 John 1:9)
Confession involves 3 things:
1) Agree 2) Thank 3) Repent
Agree with God that what He has revealed to you as sin IS SIN. Don' rationalize or justify but acknowledge. (The Greek translation of the word confess means "to say the same thing.")
Thank God that He has forgiven all your sins, past, present and future because of what Jesus Christ has done on the cross-- His blood is the only currency God accepts as payment for your sin.
Repent- A change of attitude about the sin, which results in a change of action. It's a 180-degree turn and a sincere desire to turn away from that sin because it displeases God.
Right now, I'd like to give a chance to all of you who want to take some time to confess and acknowledge sin in your life to God. Maybe the Holy Spirit has spoken to your heart and you want to surrender areas of your life or secret sins that you may be harboring. Now is the time to make it right. Humble yourself and ask for the Lord's cleansing in your life. Experience the depth of His love by asking for His forgiveness.
----------------
Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
-----------------
Psalm 103:8-13
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Video Links of Japeth Winning the WKU Dunk Contest
Japeth Aguilar has recently won the WKU Dunk Contests and here are links to the videos of his performance. Videos are from condray of Hilltopper Haven Message Board (You get to see more dunks by clicking the link).
Dunk 1
Dunk 2
Dunk 3
Dunk 1
Dunk 2
Dunk 3
Monday, October 16, 2006
Dirty Tricks on the Court
I have no problem with tough physical defense since basketball is a physical game after all. It is a game of endurance and physical conditioning and not only of skill. Yes such tough physical defense at times do result in heated moments among players but those things are unintentional. This is highly different from a team that wants to hurt their opponents to destroy their game. Playing tough physical defense is different from being downright dirty! READ MORE
Adam Morrison Commercials
I have here two commercials of colorful rookie Adam Morrison of Gonzaga. The first one is an unused ad for EA Sports while the other is about him crying in the NCAA tournament.
Here is Adam Morrison's inspiring story.
Here is Adam Morrison's inspiring story.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Writer for Hire
I adore the game of basketball and I love writing about it as well. I have written for different websites about the game and in case you need a writer for your own site. magazine or newspaper, send me an email with your requirements. If you want to see some of my sample writings, click on the links below.HoopsTV Articles:
From the Clutches of Defeat
The Coach’s Playbook
The Impossible
The Man with the Whistle
The Law of Respect
Glenn McDonald: The Greatest Common Factor
Philippine Basketball Blog Articles:
The Hunting Game
UAAP-NCAA Merger: Deal or No Deal
To PBL or not to PBL? That is the Question!
College Flavored PBA
Are upsets good for the CCL?
PBA Weekly Astig Rankings - Week 1
Best and Worst Basketball Rules
Game Face Articles
Net Dunks The Ball
This is such an amazing shot with the player doing a back shot and then the net seemingly slamming the ball!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
PBA Goes Back to School and More Ts to Come
In my new articles at Hoops-Blink, I talk about the school affilations of different ball clubs in the PBA these days. Missing the UAAP or the NCAA, maybe you want to check out the PBA and look for your school there. Read More...
The NBA is also in the news. The league is now trying to fix things that are not broke. First they tinkered with the ball and now they are setting their sights on pampering referees. Click Here
The NBA is also in the news. The league is now trying to fix things that are not broke. First they tinkered with the ball and now they are setting their sights on pampering referees. Click Here
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
CONFIDENCE ON THE COURT
Article from Christ Commission FellowshipWho is the most confident player you know? Many of us know about Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, but in the 80’s, an incredible player named Larry Bird from a small town in Indiana overcame the odds to become one of the greatest players in the NBA ever. Magic Johnson called him “the only player I really fear.” He was a white player who dominated the game with his confident and almost even cocky attitude. During down the wire games, he always wanted the ball in his hands for the game winning shot, and he would even describe to the player guarding him how he would score over him and actually do it! He also won the first three All-star 3 point shoot out and was known to have commented about his opponents; “I don’t know why they bother showing up, I’m going to win this contest anyway.”
How important do you think confidence is for a player?
What are the consequences of not having confidence when you are playing the game? (Is it enjoyable? Are you able to perform to your fullest potential?)
How do you develop confidence as a player?
Confidence plays a key role in basketball and sports in general. It is an element that is important in every facet of the game. For example, can your teammates have confidence in you? If they lose their man in a pick and roll, can they have confidence that you will switch for them? Can they trust you that you will pass the ball if they are open and in better scoring position? How about your coach, can they have confidence that you will do your best with what is expected of you when he puts you in the game?
Just as confidence plays a major role in your excellence as a player and team, it is also vital in your relationship with God. If you don’t have confidence in your relationship with God and know that He fully loves and accepts you as you are, you wont be able to live the abundant Christian life. Last week, we talked about the 4 Quarters of Life.
Have you made that decision to sign the contract and be part of God’s winning team? If you’ve done that, then you can be confident that when your time is up and final buzzer of your life sounds, you will spend eternity with God in heaven!
Let me ask you, what should be the basis of our confidence? Is it our good works? Most of us think that at the end of our life, if our good works outweigh our bad works, then God will let us into heaven. If the opposite is true then we will go to Hell. right? The Bible never says anything like this! Because our good works do not deserve a reward, they are our OBLIGATION! If a player attends practice for his team, does the coach pay him every time he attends practice? Does he pay for his dinner because he dives for the loose ball? No, that’s his job!
In the same way, confidence of our eternal destiny should not depend on our good works, because that is not the basis of our security. In fact, the bible says that “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”(Isaiah 64:6). It further declares what should be the basis of our forgiveness. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For it is by GRACE you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves. It is a gift of God, not as a result of works so that no one can boast.” Grace literally means undeserved gift or unmerited favor. It is because of God’s mercy and love that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross in our place.
Two Improbable Finishes
Reggie Miller did it in the 90s and T-Mac did it for this generation. Finishes that should have signaled defeat for their teams and yet still making an improbable comeback.
Reggie Miller's 8 point outburst - It was the Eastern conference playoffs and the Knicks were leading by 6 points with only 18.7 ticks left. Miraculously, Miller will score eight successive points in that stretch to get a win for the Pacers. Here is a short video of the his two successive threes to tie the game.
McGrady 13 points in 35 seconds - Now this is a feat I couldn't do even if I am all alone in a gym.
Please read the following articles as it reflects upon how incredible finishes in sports are life lessons for us.
The Impossible
From the Clutches of Defeat
Reggie Miller's 8 point outburst - It was the Eastern conference playoffs and the Knicks were leading by 6 points with only 18.7 ticks left. Miraculously, Miller will score eight successive points in that stretch to get a win for the Pacers. Here is a short video of the his two successive threes to tie the game.
McGrady 13 points in 35 seconds - Now this is a feat I couldn't do even if I am all alone in a gym.
Please read the following articles as it reflects upon how incredible finishes in sports are life lessons for us.
The Impossible
From the Clutches of Defeat
CCL Upsets and PBA Rankings
The Hoops-Blink Philippine Basketball blog is going full steam ahead and this time, I have two posts for the day.
Last night, Basketball TV showed two upsets in the Collegiate Champion's League when Adamson lost to University of Visayas and UAAP champion UST bowed to the JRU Heavy Bombers. My article talks about the possible implications of upsets in a league like the CCL. Is it good or bad for the league? Read More Here
In my weekly PBA Astig Rankings, I had Ginebra at number 1 which is a no brainer after blasting off their first two opponents. The surprise though is having Sta. Lucia at the top four and then defending champs, Purefoods, near the bottom of the powers that be. Go to the list now.
Last night, Basketball TV showed two upsets in the Collegiate Champion's League when Adamson lost to University of Visayas and UAAP champion UST bowed to the JRU Heavy Bombers. My article talks about the possible implications of upsets in a league like the CCL. Is it good or bad for the league? Read More Here
In my weekly PBA Astig Rankings, I had Ginebra at number 1 which is a no brainer after blasting off their first two opponents. The surprise though is having Sta. Lucia at the top four and then defending champs, Purefoods, near the bottom of the powers that be. Go to the list now.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Announcement
I would just like to announce that I now also post at the Hoops.Blink.ph blog. This blog is also about basketball and has great discussions about the serious and not so serious side of the sport we all love.
My first two posts are already online and you can view them.
The first post talks about two basketball rules that I think have a great effect on the game. The best rule for me that was done in recent memory is the 8-second violation rule. A rule that necessitated an offensive player to hurry-up down court. It is a great rule to speed up the game. The worst rule meanwhile is the possession arrow rule now used in the amateurs and I hope would not be implemented in the pros. Read more here...
My next post is the recent innovation being mulled by the Cleveland Cavaliers that will do away with paper tickets. Again go here to read some of my thoughts.
My first two posts are already online and you can view them.
The first post talks about two basketball rules that I think have a great effect on the game. The best rule for me that was done in recent memory is the 8-second violation rule. A rule that necessitated an offensive player to hurry-up down court. It is a great rule to speed up the game. The worst rule meanwhile is the possession arrow rule now used in the amateurs and I hope would not be implemented in the pros. Read more here...
My next post is the recent innovation being mulled by the Cleveland Cavaliers that will do away with paper tickets. Again go here to read some of my thoughts.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Vince Carter at Rucker Park
It was the day Vince Carter visited Rucker Park. Little did he know that a small challenge awaits him.
Friday, October 06, 2006
PBA Champions Through The Years
1975
All-Filipino - Toyota
Open - Toyota
Reinforced - Crispa
1976
All-Filipino - Crispa
Open - Crispa
Reinforced - Crispa
1977
All-Filipino - Crispa
Open - Crispa
Reinforced - Toyota
1978
All-Filipino - Toyota
Open - U-Tex
Invitationals - Toyota
1979
All-Filipino - Crispa
Open - Royal
Invitationals - Toyota
1980
Open - U-Tex
Invitationals - Nicholas Stoodley (USA)
All-Filipino - Crispa
1981
Open - Toyota
Reinforced - Crispa
1982
Reinforced Filipino - Toyota
Invitationals - San Miguel
Open - Toyota
1983
All-Filipino - Crispa
Reinforced Filipino - Crispa
Open - Crispa
1984
All-Filipino (1) Crispa
All-Filipino (2) Great Taste
Invitationals - Great Taste
1985
Open - Great Taste
All-Filipino - Great Taste
Reinforced - Northern Cement Consolidated
1986
Reinforced - Tanduay
All-Filipino - Tanduay
Open - Ginebra
1987
Open - Tanduay
All-Filipino - Great Taste
Reinforced - San Miguel
1990
First Conference - Shell
All-Filipino - Presto
Third Conference - Purefoods
1991
First Conference - Ginebra
All-Filipino - Purefoods
Third Conference - Alaska
1992
First Conference - Shell
All-Filipino - San Miguel
Third Conference - Swift
1993
All-Filipino - Coney Island
Commissioner's Cup - Swift
Governor’s Cup - San Miguel
1994
All-Filipino - San Miguel
Commissioner's Cup - Purefoods
Governor’s Cup - Alaska
1995
All-Filipino - Sunkist
Commissioner's Cup - Sunkist
Governor’s Cup - Alaska
1996
All-Filipino - Alaska
Commissioner's Cup - Alaska
Governor’s Cup - Alaska
1997
All-Filipino - Purefoods
Commissioner's Cup - Gordon's Gin
Governor’s Cup - Alaska
1998
All-Filipino - Alaska
Commissioner's Cup - Alaska
Centennial Cup - Mobiline
1999
All-Filipino - Shell
Commissioner's Cup - San Miguel
Governor’s Cup - San Miguel
2000
All-Filipino - Alaska
Commissioner's Cup - San Miguel
Governor’s Cup - San Miguel
2001
All-Filipino - San Miguel
Commissioner's Cup - Red Bull
Governor’s Cup - Sta. Lucia
2002
Governor’s Cup - Purefoods
Commissioner's Cup - Red Bull
All-Filipino - Coca-Cola
2003
All-Filipino - Talk N' Text
Invitationals - Alaska
Reinforced - Coca-Cola
2003
All-Filipino - Talk N' Text
Invitationals - Alaska
Reinforced - Coca-Cola
Fiesta Cup - Barangay Ginebra
2004-05
Philippine Cup - Barangay Ginebra
Fiesta Cup - San Miguel
2005-06
Fiesta Cup - Red Bull
Philippine Cup - Purefoods
2006 - 07
Philippine Cup - Barangay Ginebra
Fiesta Cup - Alaska Milk
Source: Wikipedia
Note: If you see inaccuracies in this post please point it out to us by using the comments section. Thank You.
All-Filipino - Toyota
Open - Toyota
Reinforced - Crispa
1976
All-Filipino - Crispa
Open - Crispa
Reinforced - Crispa
1977
All-Filipino - Crispa
Open - Crispa
Reinforced - Toyota
1978
All-Filipino - Toyota
Open - U-Tex
Invitationals - Toyota
1979
All-Filipino - Crispa
Open - Royal
Invitationals - Toyota
1980
Open - U-Tex
Invitationals - Nicholas Stoodley (USA)
All-Filipino - Crispa
1981
Open - Toyota
Reinforced - Crispa
1982
Reinforced Filipino - Toyota
Invitationals - San Miguel
Open - Toyota
1983
All-Filipino - Crispa
Reinforced Filipino - Crispa
Open - Crispa
1984
All-Filipino (1) Crispa
All-Filipino (2) Great Taste
Invitationals - Great Taste
1985
Open - Great Taste
All-Filipino - Great Taste
Reinforced - Northern Cement Consolidated
1986
Reinforced - Tanduay
All-Filipino - Tanduay
Open - Ginebra
1987
Open - Tanduay
All-Filipino - Great Taste
Reinforced - San Miguel
1990
First Conference - Shell
All-Filipino - Presto
Third Conference - Purefoods
1991
First Conference - Ginebra
All-Filipino - Purefoods
Third Conference - Alaska
1992
First Conference - Shell
All-Filipino - San Miguel
Third Conference - Swift
1993
All-Filipino - Coney Island
Commissioner's Cup - Swift
Governor’s Cup - San Miguel
1994
All-Filipino - San Miguel
Commissioner's Cup - Purefoods
Governor’s Cup - Alaska
1995
All-Filipino - Sunkist
Commissioner's Cup - Sunkist
Governor’s Cup - Alaska
1996
All-Filipino - Alaska
Commissioner's Cup - Alaska
Governor’s Cup - Alaska
1997
All-Filipino - Purefoods
Commissioner's Cup - Gordon's Gin
Governor’s Cup - Alaska
1998
All-Filipino - Alaska
Commissioner's Cup - Alaska
Centennial Cup - Mobiline
1999
All-Filipino - Shell
Commissioner's Cup - San Miguel
Governor’s Cup - San Miguel
2000
All-Filipino - Alaska
Commissioner's Cup - San Miguel
Governor’s Cup - San Miguel
2001
All-Filipino - San Miguel
Commissioner's Cup - Red Bull
Governor’s Cup - Sta. Lucia
2002
Governor’s Cup - Purefoods
Commissioner's Cup - Red Bull
All-Filipino - Coca-Cola
2003
All-Filipino - Talk N' Text
Invitationals - Alaska
Reinforced - Coca-Cola
2003
All-Filipino - Talk N' Text
Invitationals - Alaska
Reinforced - Coca-Cola
Fiesta Cup - Barangay Ginebra
2004-05
Philippine Cup - Barangay Ginebra
Fiesta Cup - San Miguel
2005-06
Fiesta Cup - Red Bull
Philippine Cup - Purefoods
2006 - 07
Philippine Cup - Barangay Ginebra
Fiesta Cup - Alaska Milk
Source: Wikipedia
Note: If you see inaccuracies in this post please point it out to us by using the comments section. Thank You.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
PBA Great Moments: the 1989 All-Star Game
PBA legends Sonny Jaworski and Mon Fernandez had a great feud during the 1980s when they parted ways from the powerhouse team Toyota Tamaraws. In 1989 , the PBA showcased an All-Star Game that will showcase the new era of Patrimonio, Lastimosa, etc., against the veterans like Fernandez and Jaworski. The two enemies played together again after several years. What followed suit was a classic PBA Moment.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Another Backboard Breaker
Here is another backboard breaking dunk. We have featured similar dunks from Shaq and Darvin Ham in the past.
See More Here:
Shaq Destroys the Basket
Darvin Ham Breaks the Glass
See More Here:
Shaq Destroys the Basket
Darvin Ham Breaks the Glass
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
THE FOUR QUARTERS OF LIFE
Note: The following is an article from Christ Commission Fellowship.
Every head coach plans to win games and championships with his team. He wants to bring out the best in his players, both individually and as a single unit. In life, God is our Great Head Coach and He wants you to be the best that you can be and win in the Game of Life!
Today, I want to share with you 4 very simple principles that will enable you to make the most out of life and be a winner on and off the court. This is the Four Quarters of Life.
The First Quarter talks about GOD’S GAME PLAN. The Bible says that His plan for you is not to perish but have eternal life. In fact, the Bible says that He made the ultimate sacrifice by sending His Son, Jesus Christ so you could have this everlasting life. Jesus Himself echoed the Father’s game plan when He said, “ I came that you might have life, and might have it more abundantly (that it might be full and meaningful). John 10:10. But the Bible also says, “The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy…”. Just like your opponent wants to steal the ball from you to prevent you from scoring, the devil wants to stop you from experiencing God’s wonderful game plan—and to some extent, he has already succeeded.
The Second Quarter tells us that YOU AND I HAVE FOULED OUT IN THE GAME OF LIFE. How many of you have fouled out even before halftime? Coaches will tell us that the best way to play defense is by moving your feet and constantly staying in front of your man. But inexperienced players will almost always be unable to resist the temptation to go for the ball with their hands and end up hacking their opponents arm and be called for one foul after another.
You and I have fouled out in the Game of Life because of SIN—the Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards…(Rom. 3:23).Do you know where the word sin originally comes from? It was a term coined through the sport of archery. Every time the archer fails to hit the bulls-eye, that is considered SIN. Now, how many of us have hit the bulls-eye every time with every single thing we have done in life? Welcome to the club! All of us have sinned and fouled out of the game of life, and the Bible further states that “the wages of sin is death.(or separation from God)”(Rom. 6:23). Not only have we fouled out from the game, we have been ejected from the playing court, just like Adam and Eve were sent out of the Garden of Eden after they had sinned against God.
What usually happens at the halftime dugout of the coach who has fallen behind in the game? The head coach uses this time to regroup. And one of the signs of a great coach is one who can regroup in the middle of a game and work out a surprise strategy that will catch the other team off guard so as to pull of the unlikely victory.
The Third Quarter says that God has sent in JESUS CHRIST AS OUR PERFECT SUBSTITUTE in the game of Life, and through Him, we can again experience God’s Game plan for our lives. Whenever a player is called by his coach to enter the game and replace a teammate, what sign does he use to communicate it to the table officials? He crosses his arms and says he wants to take the place of his teammate, right? This symbol is done by all athletes everywhere in the world, but we often don’t realize that when we do this, it is the real SIGN OF THE CROSS. This is to remind us that Jesus Christ is our PERFECT SUBSITUTE because He died on the cross for our sins—in our place! Just like in basketball where we receive a penalty for 5 fouls—disqualification, Jesus Christ came into the game for us in a most unexpected move by the wisest Head Coach-- and went to the cross to pay the penalty of our sin as OUR SUBSTITUTE.
Jesus Himself said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 14:6). And Jesus further emphasizes that He is our SOLE or ONLY SUBSTITUTE.
Any team that wants to win knows that they cannot play well for 3 quarters and stop playing in the fourth quarter. That is why they call it “the payoff period,” because this is where one wins or loses the game. In the same way, it would be useless for us to know about the first 3 quarters of life and ignore the 4th quarter, which is probably the most important quarter of all.
The Fourth Quarter says that we must make the decision to ACCEPT GOD’S TERMS AND SIGN THE CONTRACT to be part of God’s winning team. Unless we do this, we will never be able to experience God’s game plan for our lives.
All of us have heard about young athletes of today, many of them untested, and yet, are offered multi-million dollar contracts and endorsement deals even before they get to play a single game in the NBA! We are all witness to how families celebrate and shed tears of joy, because once their child signs the contract, they are set for life! More money that you can spend, dream cars, houses, vacations, clothes and everything their heart may desire. If an NBA scout were to visit our league and saw you playing and thought you’d be good enough to play in the NBA and offered you a fat multi-million dollar contract with perks and bonuses you never dreamed of, would you take it? Or would you say, “let me think about it first,” or “I’m busy, why don’t you come back next year?”
I can imagine you would be willing to use even your own blood to sign that contract if you had to! In the same way, God is offering you a contract of accepting Jesus Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross as final payment for your sins, and through this, you will receive every spiritual blessing imaginable that will far outweigh any earthly contract can offer you. He is offering to sign you up for His Winning Team, but the decision is yours. Will you do it? Even the best passer in the world like Jason Kidd will not be credited for an assist if his teammates refuse to catch the ball and shoot it. In other words, the ball is in YOUR COURT. Unless you make that move and sign the contract, everything that He offers you will be useless—you won’t be able to experience its benefits.
At this point, some of you are saying, hey, this really makes sense to me. I’m not sure if I have already made that personal decision to sign that contract and acknowledge Jesus as the Perfect Substitute for my sins. For those of you who want to do that, I will say a short and simple prayer right now and you can follow with me, talking to God from your heart. Let’s pray…
Lord Jesus, I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I acknowledge that you are my perfect Substitute who died on the cross and paid the penalty for my sins. I ask you to come into my life. I want you to be my Head coach, and turn over the control of my life to you. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Thank you for making me part of Your Winning Team. Grant me the strength to live the kind of life you want me to live. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, then I have good news for you! Not only have you been drafted into God’s Victorious team, but you are also the MVP! Something is worth only as much as somebody is willing to pay for it, right? How much did it cost God to pay for your sins and redeem your soul from Satan? It cost Him the life of His Son. It cost Him the Blood of Jesus! That is what YOU are worth to God, His MOST VALUED POSSESSION. You are worth to God the very life of His Son, Jesus Christ, and this should be your main motivation to live for Him, whether it is on or off the court. Do everything for God’s honor and glory! LET’S PLAY BASKETBALL!!!!!!
Read Previous Articles
Every head coach plans to win games and championships with his team. He wants to bring out the best in his players, both individually and as a single unit. In life, God is our Great Head Coach and He wants you to be the best that you can be and win in the Game of Life!
Today, I want to share with you 4 very simple principles that will enable you to make the most out of life and be a winner on and off the court. This is the Four Quarters of Life.
The First Quarter talks about GOD’S GAME PLAN. The Bible says that His plan for you is not to perish but have eternal life. In fact, the Bible says that He made the ultimate sacrifice by sending His Son, Jesus Christ so you could have this everlasting life. Jesus Himself echoed the Father’s game plan when He said, “ I came that you might have life, and might have it more abundantly (that it might be full and meaningful). John 10:10. But the Bible also says, “The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy…”. Just like your opponent wants to steal the ball from you to prevent you from scoring, the devil wants to stop you from experiencing God’s wonderful game plan—and to some extent, he has already succeeded.
The Second Quarter tells us that YOU AND I HAVE FOULED OUT IN THE GAME OF LIFE. How many of you have fouled out even before halftime? Coaches will tell us that the best way to play defense is by moving your feet and constantly staying in front of your man. But inexperienced players will almost always be unable to resist the temptation to go for the ball with their hands and end up hacking their opponents arm and be called for one foul after another.
You and I have fouled out in the Game of Life because of SIN—the Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards…(Rom. 3:23).Do you know where the word sin originally comes from? It was a term coined through the sport of archery. Every time the archer fails to hit the bulls-eye, that is considered SIN. Now, how many of us have hit the bulls-eye every time with every single thing we have done in life? Welcome to the club! All of us have sinned and fouled out of the game of life, and the Bible further states that “the wages of sin is death.(or separation from God)”(Rom. 6:23). Not only have we fouled out from the game, we have been ejected from the playing court, just like Adam and Eve were sent out of the Garden of Eden after they had sinned against God.
What usually happens at the halftime dugout of the coach who has fallen behind in the game? The head coach uses this time to regroup. And one of the signs of a great coach is one who can regroup in the middle of a game and work out a surprise strategy that will catch the other team off guard so as to pull of the unlikely victory.
The Third Quarter says that God has sent in JESUS CHRIST AS OUR PERFECT SUBSTITUTE in the game of Life, and through Him, we can again experience God’s Game plan for our lives. Whenever a player is called by his coach to enter the game and replace a teammate, what sign does he use to communicate it to the table officials? He crosses his arms and says he wants to take the place of his teammate, right? This symbol is done by all athletes everywhere in the world, but we often don’t realize that when we do this, it is the real SIGN OF THE CROSS. This is to remind us that Jesus Christ is our PERFECT SUBSITUTE because He died on the cross for our sins—in our place! Just like in basketball where we receive a penalty for 5 fouls—disqualification, Jesus Christ came into the game for us in a most unexpected move by the wisest Head Coach-- and went to the cross to pay the penalty of our sin as OUR SUBSTITUTE.
Jesus Himself said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 14:6). And Jesus further emphasizes that He is our SOLE or ONLY SUBSTITUTE.
Any team that wants to win knows that they cannot play well for 3 quarters and stop playing in the fourth quarter. That is why they call it “the payoff period,” because this is where one wins or loses the game. In the same way, it would be useless for us to know about the first 3 quarters of life and ignore the 4th quarter, which is probably the most important quarter of all.
The Fourth Quarter says that we must make the decision to ACCEPT GOD’S TERMS AND SIGN THE CONTRACT to be part of God’s winning team. Unless we do this, we will never be able to experience God’s game plan for our lives.
All of us have heard about young athletes of today, many of them untested, and yet, are offered multi-million dollar contracts and endorsement deals even before they get to play a single game in the NBA! We are all witness to how families celebrate and shed tears of joy, because once their child signs the contract, they are set for life! More money that you can spend, dream cars, houses, vacations, clothes and everything their heart may desire. If an NBA scout were to visit our league and saw you playing and thought you’d be good enough to play in the NBA and offered you a fat multi-million dollar contract with perks and bonuses you never dreamed of, would you take it? Or would you say, “let me think about it first,” or “I’m busy, why don’t you come back next year?”
I can imagine you would be willing to use even your own blood to sign that contract if you had to! In the same way, God is offering you a contract of accepting Jesus Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross as final payment for your sins, and through this, you will receive every spiritual blessing imaginable that will far outweigh any earthly contract can offer you. He is offering to sign you up for His Winning Team, but the decision is yours. Will you do it? Even the best passer in the world like Jason Kidd will not be credited for an assist if his teammates refuse to catch the ball and shoot it. In other words, the ball is in YOUR COURT. Unless you make that move and sign the contract, everything that He offers you will be useless—you won’t be able to experience its benefits.
At this point, some of you are saying, hey, this really makes sense to me. I’m not sure if I have already made that personal decision to sign that contract and acknowledge Jesus as the Perfect Substitute for my sins. For those of you who want to do that, I will say a short and simple prayer right now and you can follow with me, talking to God from your heart. Let’s pray…
Lord Jesus, I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I acknowledge that you are my perfect Substitute who died on the cross and paid the penalty for my sins. I ask you to come into my life. I want you to be my Head coach, and turn over the control of my life to you. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Thank you for making me part of Your Winning Team. Grant me the strength to live the kind of life you want me to live. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, then I have good news for you! Not only have you been drafted into God’s Victorious team, but you are also the MVP! Something is worth only as much as somebody is willing to pay for it, right? How much did it cost God to pay for your sins and redeem your soul from Satan? It cost Him the life of His Son. It cost Him the Blood of Jesus! That is what YOU are worth to God, His MOST VALUED POSSESSION. You are worth to God the very life of His Son, Jesus Christ, and this should be your main motivation to live for Him, whether it is on or off the court. Do everything for God’s honor and glory! LET’S PLAY BASKETBALL!!!!!!
Read Previous Articles
Monday, October 02, 2006
Congratulations UST Growling Tigers!!!!!!
The UST Growling Tigers won the UAAP Season 69 Senior's Basketball crown 76-74 in overtime. Here is our congratulatory graphic and please stay tune to this post as we will add here any videos that we can find about the UST victory.
See Videos Below:
Videos
Regulation:
Overtime:
UAAP Champion's Database Update!
See Videos Below:
Videos
Regulation:
Overtime:
UAAP Champion's Database Update!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
UAAP Basketball: UST Forces Game 2
Amidst power failure and waterless Metro Manila, UST won game 2 and extended the series against Ateneo. The Tigers blasted Ateneo with a 87-71 win. Ateneo closed in the fourth at 65-61 but that's it for them as they only managed to get 10 points in the final minutes.
Next game will be tomorrow. Here is a video of the final few moments of the game.
Next game will be tomorrow. Here is a video of the final few moments of the game.
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