MIDWEST: Devotions

Brian Mitchell Sports World Ministries Regional Manager

I Timothy 6: 6-8

+ May 5, 1990 was one of the happiest days of my life. That was the day I was blessed with the opportunity to receive my Bride Crystal. Early in our marriage we both sat one cold evening in Colorado with nothing to eat. Crystal was 5 months pregnant and payday seemed like weeks away. As we rummaged through draws, cabinets and boxes we came acrossed a penny jar. When we finished counting we had just enough to buy one of those boxed pizza mixes. I believe to this day that had to have been the best pizza we ever ate. Crystal and I laugh about it now and that box of pizza is reminder to us that God is good. It is important that we remain content in what God blesses us with, for He is in control and knows our needs. My quiver is full, there is food in my house, clothes on my back and each morning Crystal, myself and our five children enjoy the opportunity given to us to live on beautiful Table Rock Lake. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out.


Question: Are you focusing more on your wants and not your needs. How good has God been to you?

You Know: He will never forsake nor leave us.

Brian Mitchell Regional Manger Sports World Ministries

I Timothy 5:8

+ Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m getting mine!” Well, unfortunately that is the world that we are living in today. A lot of people’s attitude is I am going to get that promotion, raise, new car, bigger house ect… at any cost while trying to keep their family intact by showering them with the goods of the world and not investing the true gift of themselves into their family. Unfortunately, I get to see many kids whose parent’s main objective is material and not spiritual. Paul reiterates in I Timothy 5:8 that are first priority is to our family. That is our greatest possession and we should invest more in that than anything we do. The brokenness of the family we see so much today can simply begin to mend by focusing, providing and loving on them and quite running towards the worlds prize and join the race which promises us the greatest prize, eternity with our Father.

Question: What can you do to take the focus off of you? Where are you with your family?

You Know: Invest into your family, it will pay dividends.

Brian Mitchell Regional Manager Sports World Ministries

I Timothy 4:12-13

+ As I travel across this great country I get the chance to meet some amazing kids. In an assembly in Kansas with one of our Pros Ray McElroy, a 3-6 Grade group was asked, “What is the plan in your life?” A little girl answered, “God told me to make a car that runs on water!” We both stood there in amazement and told her we get the first one she makes. Just recently in Muskogee OK I met with 3 High School Students and a Principal whose main objective is to share Jesus Christ with their fellow students through a club in school called “Teens for Christ”. That made my whole week! Finally, to see your own children pick up the word of God each evening or to do their Devos from an awesome camp called Kanakuk, makes all the work you do worth it. Paul writes, “let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers.” I have learned a great deal from the youth of this country and have seen the fire that is burning in them for Christ.


Question: How can you encourage your own children or those around you with their walk with the Lord?

You Know: Take the time to listen, you may be surprised what you may learn.

Brian Mitchell
Regional Manager Sports World Ministries


I Timothy 3:4-5


+ Crystal and I have five children ages 3, 6, 11, 13 and 16. In the midst of ballgames, dance recitals and church youth activities we catch ourselves coming and going each day. It becomes difficult sometimes because the dishes don’t get done, trash isn’t taken out and laundry stacks up. On top of that we are squeezing in our devotion time and hurrying through the most important time of the day. Paul warns us not to let our house get out of order, keep a balance and rule the house with God being first. Let’s take a TIMEOUT each day whether it getting up a little earlier, going to bed a little later or just stopping in the day and giving HIM the time HE so deserves. It’s amazing how ciaos becomes peace and balanced is restored.

Questions:
What times are best for you to take a timeout?
Is your life overbooked?

You Know:
The Son of God took the time to die for us, we can take the time to get to know HIM better.

Brian Mitchell
Regional Manager Sports World Ministries

I Timothy 2:8-9


+ I attended a conference for Sports World Ministries in Marco Island Florida in February. I know, the first thing you are thinking is, “poor thing”, and believe me I heard that from family and friends before I left. After finishing up meetings for the week I decided to venture to the beach for a little relaxation. As I began to walk down the white sand beaches full of sea shells and watching the ocean make it‘s way to the shore I began to think about what Paul said in Timothy. Now, Paul addressed women in this scripture but I think that it applies to all of us. He said, “Adorn yourself in modest apparel; not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.” In Marco Island Florida and I would say in most of Florida, it is pretty hard to mess up the natural beauty of the beaches, ocean and trees. In society today people spend millions of dollars each year on piercings, tattoos, designer clothes and trendy hairstyles to make themselves look and feel better about themselves. God created us in HIS image, HE did not intend for us to mess up HIS creation with all of this worldly garbage. If you haven’t found the confidence in yourself to be who you are then continue to pray that God will continue to reveal HIMSELF in you. Once you begin to see through God’s Eyes, yourself and the world around you will become more beautiful.

Questions:
What changes have you made with yourself that the world says makes you more beautiful?
Who is it that you are trying to please with these changes?

You Know:
God created you for HIS purpose and plan and made no mistake with HIS creation.

Brian Mitchell
Regional Manager Sports World Ministries

I Timothy I: 12-17

+ I have a friend who I love to hang out with when my road trips with Sports World Ministries takes me to Southwest Kansas. Outside of it being close to where I grew up, I always feel fueled up when I leave to go back home.
Cliff has such a servant’s attitude and each time that we work together on a project he will say “Hey man, I am just a gardener pulling the weeds for you, just let me know what you need.” He is willing and ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Because of his attitude the Southwest part of Kansas has seen tens of thousands of youth hear a Message of Hope from our Pros and over a thousand make decisions for Christ.
I am thankful as Paul was to be in the ministry in spite of my shortcomings. I believe that we should serve as a gardener and help pull those weeds to keep the garden fresh for a plentiful harvest.

Questions:
How can you be a better Gardener? What people in your life help you pull weeds?
Can you humbly accept the fact that we are to be Gardeners?

You Know:
Despite our shortcomings in life, Christ Jesus our Lord wants to use us if we willing to humble ourselves to serve others.