In life it’s easy to get caught up in playing for the approval and the opinions of others, but in the end, it’s not our scoffers or critics by whom we will be judged, only God. This book offers 52 weekly devotions for what it looks like to play for an audience One—to seek first the approval of God over all other voices and influences in our lives.

This doesn’t mean you have no affinity or accountability to your teammates, coaches, family members, or neighbors. Playing for the audience of One means those relationships will be more deeply impacted by the fact that you are playing for a bigger purpose—the chief aim being to please your God and bring Him alone the glory in your life. Playing for an audience of One means you will bring honor to your godly leaders, while ignoring the critics, the haters, and those who are not in your corner. It will even entail overcoming your most difficult opponent: yourself (your fears, your insecurities, your doubts, your lack of confidence). None of these need to get the final word in your performance or the spiritual marathon you are running. By playing for an audience of One, you choose to put God first over all others, including those inner voices that speak contrary to God’s best intentions and His ultimate reign over your life.

Each devo comes with a prayer and questions for personal reflection or group discussion, fitting for athletes, coaches, parents of athletes, and sports ministry leaders who work with athletes. The format of the devos also work well for fostering devotional times and gospel sharing at sports camps/clinics during mission trips.

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A Parkour Athlete’s Faith and the Art of Falling Safely

As a child Coach Valley was adopted and gravitated toward crime, gangs, drugs, and violence. He was expelled from school and shipped to a “psych” hospital. After struggling with the meaning of life, he found hope and chased the dream of influencing youth and adults through coaching and the athletic training discipline of Parkour. Learn about Ukemi, and the art of falling safely in Parkour and in life.

Youth Discussion Questions

1. 1. What stands out to you about “Coach Valley’s” story?
   2. Why is it important to have a dream, or inspiration?
   3. Coach Valley shared that when he was growing up, all of his influences were pushing him down the wrong path. He stated that choosing to be around the right people is the most important thing for a person’s success because you become like the people you spend time with. What has been your experience with this?
   4. Can you relate with Coach Valley’s take on feeling like he never fit in anywhere as a child?
   5. Having the understanding that life is like a vapor, Coach Valley pointed to a question that changed the trajectory of his life: “What do I want to be remembered for?” Why do you think that is a worthy question to ask yourself?
   6. Coach Valley had a spiritual experience that shaped his faith as a young person. In what particular ways was that faith challenged?
   7. In Parkour, there is a thing called Ukemi, which is the art of falling safely. How did Coach Valley liken that to falling into the arms of God in our Christian walk?
   8. What might you need to surrender to fall safely into the hands of God today?

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A K-Pop Artist’s Voyage to Purpose

Former K-Pop idol Euna Kim welcomes us into her “Euna-verse” to talk about the ups and downs of her entertainment career, and reveal where she ultimately found meaning to life.

Euna Kim appeared as a contestant on the South Korean survival reality shows Superstar K 3 (2011), Unpretty Rapstar 3 (2016), and The Unit (2017). She made her solo debut in 2014 with the single “Without You Now” featuring Yoon Mi-rae, Tiger JK, and Bizzy, and in 2015, she joined the girl group The Ark.

On May 24, 2021 Kim announced her retirement from the entertainment industry as she began a new chapter in life. This is her story of HOPE and journey of faith

Youth Discussion Questions

1. 1. 1. In what ways can you identify with Euna’s desire for “freedom” in pursuing her dreams, and being free from restrictions that had been put on her?
         
         
      2. Euna talked about making unwise decisions and getting into toxic relationships in pursuit of her freedom. Have you ever made unwise decisions in the name of “freedom”?
         
         
      3. Though Euna was going after her dreams, she drifted further and further away from having anyone she could depend on? Have you ever felt that kind of loneliness or shallowness of relationships?
         
         
      4. Being constantly judged in the entertainment industry led her to think of herself as “trash.” Have you ever struggled with that kind of dignity-loss in your life?
         
         
      5. Euna says that people want to be famous to be known and loved. Do you think that being fully known and fully loved has more to do with quantity of relationships or quality of relationships? Explain.
         
         
      6. We live in a world where people’s opinions of us can go from “good to terrible in a matter of minutes,” says Euna. “Being famous means your self worth comes from what people say your self worth is rather than something that’s consistent.” How do you think it would change your life if you amassed your self worth from God alone?
         
         
      7. Though she had thoughts about suicide, Euna had a sister who prayed faithfully for her and constantly reached out to her. Have you known someone like that, who might even annoy you with Bible verses at times, but you know they are in your corner and will be there for you no matter what?
         
         
      8. Euna came to a place where she realized she was living a selfish life. When have you had that kind of revelation about yourself?
         
         
      9. Euna talked about how her life was changed when she surrendered to Christ, and how her “self worth” now comes from God and knowing that she will always be loved in His eyes. Can you think of any Bible promises or passages that reveal the boundless love that God has for you?
         
         
      10. Euna said, “God works with every degree of faith that you may have.” She spoke of a powerful prayer when she said, “Ask God to work with you in your unbelief.” What if you did that right now?

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Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Ralf Santiago is a husband, father, boxing coach, mentor, and business owner. Listen to his story as he talks about being held at gunpoint, overcoming street life and finding new life in Christ, dealing with depression, and how he keeps on fighting the good fight of faith..

The apostle Paul coached young Timothy that he was here for a greater purpose than to just mind the things of this world. His life was a state of warfare as he took on the role of a spiritual fighter, and was not to entangle himself with the things of this life (2 Timothy 2:4) but to occupy himself with a godly vision and worthy mission. It was referred to as fighting the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

In 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Paul said, “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” The apostle understood the importance of faith, focus, training, and spiritual disciplines in the daily life of a Christ follower.

From Queens, New York, Ralf Santiago was introduced to boxing at 9-years old when his father wanted to protect him from being a target of gangs and other pitfalls for local youths. In 2003, Ralf met martial arts legend, Shidoshi Nathan Ingram, who trained and mentored him and eventually hired him as an assistant trainer. After graduating from Nyack College in New York, he worked with the New York Board of Education and one of his boxing mentors to start the DAS Boxing Center in downtown Manhattan. Later, connections with Lee University led him to Cleveland, Tennessee, where he opened Five Point Boxing.

Ralf’s passion is to give back to a diverse community combining his two loves of helping troubled children and teaching authentic boxing. He trains youngsters, teenagers—even adults—who have never boxed, and introduces them to challenging authentic boxing training. In this “Stories of HOPE” episode, coach Ralf shares his personal testimony of “fighting the good fight of faith.”  

Youth Discussion Questions

1. 1. Ralf used the word “war” to describe his upbringing? In what ways can you relate to his story?
   2. Ralf was exposed to drugs, street life, and criminal activity early on in his childhood, but spoke affectionately about how his mother constantly “fought” to influence him with the Gospel. Have you had anyone like that in your life?
   3. In what ways has the Gospel proven to be more powerful than the negative things you grew up around?
   4. Like Ralf, perhaps you have tried to prove yourself to others in different ways. For him, that process led to fear. What has trying to prove yourself to others produced in you at times?
   5. After getting involved with illegal drug activity, which nearly cost him his life, Ralf had an epiphany about the value of his life. “Am I just worth $350?” What comes to mind when you think about the value of your life? How do you measure the worth of your life?
   6. Have you ever prayed a prayer like Ralf prayed? “If you save me from this, I will stop living like this and I’ll try to do better.” Did that yield anything fruitful in your life?
   7. Ralf’s journey from street life to new life in Christ and serving in ministry leadership was a step-by-step process that he described as an orchestrated “mystery.” In what ways has God mysteriously worked in your life through simple steps of faith that you have taken?
   8. Speaking about the grace of God, Ralf said, “I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t do anything good to impress God to save me, but He did.” He described it as God taking a bunch of messy “ingredients” and working His “Chef magic” in it all. How would you describe God’s grace in your life?
   9. Seeing the “fruit of God’s goodness” is something Ralf has experienced through family, being a husband, a father, a coach, a business owner, and a part of God’s family—the church. Are there fingerprints of God’s goodness in your life that you haven’t necessarily taken time to pause and reflect on?
   10. He confessed that he “used to think that anyone dealing with depression was selfish themselves,” but now speaks of depression as a real fight for people with real faith. The way he chooses to fight that battle is by being in community with other believers. Why do you think that is important?
   11. “God continues to love me and continues to bring me closer to him even though sometimes I feel so far,” he said. Are you able to have trust in God’s faithfulness even when happy feelings are not present? Explain.
   12. Coach Ralf shared that our society has embraced the idea of quitting and starting over, because dealing with the old isn’t worth it. But a life lesson he has learned through the sport of boxing is that if you quit you can’t be a champion. “As a fighter there comes the time when you can get hurt. You feel like you’re tired and you can’t continue anymore,” he said. In what ways has God sustained you in moments of weakness, discouragement, or exhaustion with life?

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Chad Buckner’s story is one of redemption, healing, and restoration. Abuse. Abandonment. Suicide. Cancer. Divorce. Loneliness. Despair. Watch this video to hear how God’s faithfulness redeemed Chad’s story and gave him a new hope and a “second chance” at life. This is a fitting video resource with discussion questions for youth and young adult ministries, small groups, mentors and leaders, juvenile center and prison chaplains, domestic violence support groups, and many other ministry and outreach contexts.  

Youth Discussion Questions

1. Chad prayed for his story to be used for the glory of God. Why do you think that is important?
2. Chad said that he grew up in a “functioning dysfunctional family,” where anger, abuse, and domestic violence had an effect on his upbringing. In what ways are you a product of your upbringing?
3. The spiritual leader in Chad’s home was his mother. She modeled faith for him in distressing circumstances. Do you know someone like this?
4. When Chad lost his father to suicide, he said that trying to work through pain got him “sideways” with his faith, and confessed to making bad choices as a result. Have you ever struggled in this way?
5. During the biggest crisis of his life, Chad felt like the people who should’ve been there for him were not. Can you relate to this tension?
6. When diagnosed with cancer, he likened it to a death sentence, in which fear tormented him. When has fear or anxiety hijacked your life to such an extent that it felt like a death sentence?
7. While going through radiation treatment, someone handed Chad a piece of paper with the Bible verse Isaiah 41:10. It read “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What promise is attached to this scripture that can encourage us when going through a crisis?
8. Though being healed of cancer, Chad still went through a painful divorce. How did God give him a “second chance” and show Himself faithful and good in Chad’s life?
9. In what ways do you think God wants to take your “mess and turn it into a message,” like Chad suggested?
10. In what ways do you sense that God wants to meet you right in the middle of your mess? How can you respond to His love and kindness in this moment?

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SESSIONS:

1. The Inner Battle

2. No Condemnation

3. Discouragement, Depression, Suicidal

4. Worry and Anxiety

5. Dysfunction, Rejection, and Loneliness

6. A Better Struggle (Struggling for Growth in Others)

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The leader guides come with background summaries and overviews, and include group discussion questions in a format of ice-breaker, inductive, instrospective, and application. Comes with printable handouts (Talk Sheets), high resolution logo/graphics/backgrounds for banners, visuals, and presentations, as well as a PowerPoint template.

SUMMARY:

What can an ancient Jewish exile teach us about living with courage in a world growing increasingly hostile to people of the Christian faith? Just like the Old Testament story of Daniel, Christ-followers today find themselves in a changing world where “cancel culture” runs rampant, social bullying has become the norm, and Christian persecution is on the rise. These are times of hostility and uncertainty. Apart from the grace and abiding presence of Jesus, our hearts would surely faint. But we are not alone, and that makes all the difference in our lifetime.

Living as a captive in a land far from home, Daniel didn’t conform to his world but transformed it. It wasn’t easy, but it was all part of God’s redemptive plan. We too, have been divinely placed and positioned in a broken world for such a time as this. God has a plan, and we are part of His purposes to be light in the darkness around us. To be faithful to that calling we will need courage. Fortunately, this kind of boldness doesn’t come from our human strength, or something we must manufacture on our own—God wants to give it to us! He is all-sufficient to do that just as much as He is all-sufficient to save us from our sins. God wants to equip us with courage.

In Deuteronomy 31:6 it says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them…” Yet it also tells us why we can be bold and fearless… “for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” That’s an awesome promise for each of us today. Because our strength and courage come directly from the God Who is mighty to save, even the most timid person can be clothed and equipped to live with boldness in the face of the most intense persecution.

Lesson 1: Courage to Remain Pure

Lesson 2: Courage to Stand Up

Lesson 3: Courage to Speak Out

Lesson 4: Courage to Trust God

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The leader guides come with background summaries and overviews, pre-lesson activities, icebreakers, student exercises, discussion outlines, team building activities, and printable handouts (Talk Sheets). Includes high resolution logo/graphics/backgrounds for banners, visuals, and presentations, as well as a PowerPoint template.

Lesson 1: God Has a Plan Even When Life is Hard. Though Gideon’s people had turned their back on God and were reaping the consequences, the Lord still heard their cries of distress. No matter  how ugly our circumstances get, no matter how far we have wandered, God is still faithful, and He still has a plan for our good and our future.

Lesson 2: Confronting Our Idols and Insecurity. God calls us to worship Him alone, with uncompromising devotion. Before Gideon could lead his people to bravely face their oppressors, he first had to confront his people’s idolatry and his own insecurities.

Lesson 3: Our Doubts and Fears Don’t Disqualify Us From God’s Plan. Through Gideon’s story, we see that God is much bigger than our weaknesses, and He takes great and gracious measures to overcome our trepidation and our fears, so that we can serve Him with a brave heart.

Lesson 4: The Dark Side of Success and Power. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat people’s weaknesses; it gives us the good, the bad, and the ugly, so that we might learn to “guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

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Lesson 1: Thriving by Becoming Part of Something Bigger Than Ourselves (living out God’s “one another” commands).

Lesson 2: Thriving by Valuing Others and Loving Our Neighbors (a study on the Good Samaritan).

Lesson 3: Thriving by Overcoming Our Fears and Weaknesses (a study on the youthful leadership of Gideon).

Lesson 4: Thriving by Putting Our Small In The Hands of a Big God (a study on the boy who gave Jesus his five loaves and two fish to feed the multitudes).

Lesson 5: Thriving by Trading In Our Complacency for Compassion (a study on Nehemiah; God wants to break our hearts for the things that break His).

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