KICK-OFF TO YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON

Today, September 4th, marks the 'Kick-Off' of the new NFL Season. Excitement is in the air! It's a brand new season. The reigning Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks face-off against the talented and very hungry Green Bay Packers. Who will come out the victor? What are the expectations for the season? Will Russell Wilson and the Seahawks repeat as Super Bowl Champs? That is the question!

For many students, teachers, and administrators, this week is the beginning of a new school year filled with many new expectations. And, pretty soon, the green leaves of summer will give way to the reds and gold of autumn. And, so, like the new NFL and other seasons, new seasons come into our lives as well. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) 

How can we prepare ourselves, so that our new seasons will be truly Championship Seasons? What can we expect in our new seasons? How can we best be successful, seize new opportunities, and share in the excitement that new seasons bring?

First, there is one thing we know, that every new season, definitely, brings - CHANGE! The Seattle Seahawks will be facing totally new offenses and defenses this year. All of those new changes will make it more difficult for them to repeat as champions. The Seahawks will have to make adjustments, and deal with the uncertainty of change. As we enter the new seasons of our lives, we, too, face the uncertainty of change. And uncertainty, the unknown, very often elicits anxiety and/or  fear.   

However, the Bible reassures us, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." ~ Deuteronomy 31:6. Have faith and trust in God, and He will see you through whatever uncertainties your new season brings. (See 2 Corinthians 5:7). You don't have to be stressed out nor anxious as you enter your new season. If God be for you, who can be against you?

Secondly, a new season brings new challenges. Last year's game plan is not going get it, if the Seahawks plan to repeat. They're going to, definitely, need a new game plan to meet the new challenges of the new season. To meet the challenges of our new seasons we need wisdom -  new strategies and game plans. James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." We have to pray, and ask God for the wisdom we need to meet all our new challenges, and He will supply us with those winning strategies and game plans. (See Philippians 4:19).

Finally, a new season reveals new champions. Will the Seahawks get new Super Bowl rings at the end of this new season, or will a new champion be crowned? What are the chances of you becoming a champion in your new season. Through your own strength, it may be difficult, and even appear impossible. But the Bible says, "Humble yourselves before the LORD and He will lift you." ~ James 4:10. "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." ~ Matthew 19:26.   

So, as you enter the new season of your life, go in with great expectations. Enter with a championship attitude. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13. Yes, in your new season, you, most definitely, can be a champion in Christ, if you truly believe! ''Nevertheless, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." ~ Romans 8:37.

Have a Fantastic Championship Season!

Until next time,

Be Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard

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