ONE: FCA Reading Plan For CompetitorsSample

Wise Words

By Roger Lipe

READY:

“A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray.” – Proverbs 25:11 (HCSB)

SET:

We all know the value of gold and silver, even if we can't afford to own any. We also know how sweet to the taste apples are. How valuable and how sweet to our souls would apples be that were made of gold and served on plates made of pure silver? 

The point of this proverb is that our words, spoken at just the right time, are of immeasurable value. You probably have teammates who have followed you all season, and you have followed others, possibly for your whole career. Tell them what you want for them, challenge them to excellence, call them to be athletes of great character. Build a tradition through speaking carefully chosen words to your leaders and to those who follow you.

GO:

1. Have you ever wanted to say something to a friend or teammate, but chickened out at the last minute because you thought it might seem silly or embarrassing? Did you later regret not saying it? Tell the story.

2. What have you heard God nudging you to say to a teammate, coach or friend this week? How valuable would your words be to that person?

3. How will you go about serving these golden apple words on a silver tray of proper timing to this person? When seems to be the right time for this conversation?

WORKOUT:

Proverbs 16:21

Proverbs 18:21

1 Thessalonians 5:11

OVERTIME:

“Wise and loving Father, thank You for the teammates, coaches, friends and family you have graciously given me. May I be given opportunities to serve them wise words like apples made of gold on the finest silver platters? I commit my heart’s intentions and the purpose of my will to deliver them with grace, love and joy. I pray with expectation in Jesus’ strong name. Amen.”