One of the seven major US cultural influences in society is arts, entertainment and sports. Much money, time, talk and resources revolve around them.
As with anything, we need to be careful to redeem the time. Like Paul warned the Ephesians [5:15-16] ...
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Feb. 4th - Focus on Most Watched Sports in US Podcast
Football, baseball, soccer, hockey, and auto racing are most watched
Prayer Points/Scriptures:
Owners – protect their staff/teams; not cut costs leading to dangers; not love money; healthy business deals, high standards. [1 Timothy 6:10] For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Advertisers – cleaner ads especially at major events watched by so many; more moral standards [Isaiah 5:20] What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.
Players – safety, play ethically, high integrity, avoid enhancing drugs, build camaraderie, family time [Ps. 25:21] May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.
Spectators – healthy rivalry, not idolize, avoid arguments over best team, time balanced with family, friends & God. [2 Timothy 2:23-25 ESV] Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth
Personal Challenge: Do you watch any of the most preferred sports in the US? If so, how much do you spend in watching, betting, or buying sports team paraphernalia? How much time do you spend viewing it? Ask the Lord to show you if it’s crowding out time with Him or those you love and/or spending more money than you have? Check out How should a Christian view sports / athletics? | GotQuestions.org – consider safety not just winning; build team spirit, encourage self-control in practice and play, build morale & character; same standards expected for all players [Proverbs 25:28 ESV]
Feb. 3rd - Focus on Arts, Entertainment & Sports
Prayer Points/Scriptures:
Used for celebrating and honoring loved ones skills/gifts or solely for selfish pleasure? 1 John 5:21 keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.
Is what you are watching healthy or tempting you to sin? Psalm 101: 3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.
Would Jesus watch this with me? Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Is it causing me to be addicted? My time spent foolishly? Or am I using it to fellowship with other believers, share the Gospel with people or simply have some clean fun? Titus 2:12 - Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
Personal Challenge: Identify how you participate in arts, entertainment and/or sports. Which ones are solely for pleasure and which ones can you minister to people? Allow the Holy Spirit to shine light on your involvement with them; what to keep, what to discard. What to moderate.
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