Video of the Day: ESPN Films Trailer of North Carolina State’s Title “Survive and Advance”
Bible Verse of the Day:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do, James 1:5-8.
Biblical Connection:
The first round of the 2025 NCAA Basketball tournament began yesterday. Similar to the opening day of Major League Baseball, everyone is tied for first place. While the talent on each team differs, the degree of belief and confidence will separate winners and losers. Former head coach Jim Valvano devoted one practice a year to visualizing becoming national champions. This is the image that Coach Valvano wanted his players to see before participating in March Madness. This 3-week journey isn’t about winning pretty. Rather, the goal is to Survive and Advance.
The author of this Bible passage is the earthly brother of Jesus, a skeptic who became an elder in the Church at Jerusalem. While James wrote to Christians scattered throughout the Mediterranean following Nero’s persecution, he’s also speaking to himself. James was like the Jewish religious leaders of the early first century, not believing that his brother was the promised Messiah. Rather, James had to witness Jesus’ resurrection from the dead before he finally believed. Only God knows who will win the 2025 title. Yet, belief and doubt will play a huge role in determining a champion.
Closing Song:
I was introduced to this song during the Coronavirus pandemic. As countless individuals continued to succumb to this biological disease, I clung to the God of miracles. While God may not care who wins a sporting event, the Lord does elevate people of faith to hold fast to the God of miracles. May you survive and advance past the trials that you’re currently facing in life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 