Tiger Woods was trained by his father, Earl, to be a champion. At eleven months, his fluid golf swing mimicked his dad’s! At age 4, he would be dropped off at the golf course at 9 a.m. and picked up at 5 p.m. with pockets bulging with money he had won from skeptics 10-20 years older! His physical ability was uncanny. Then Earl put him through “mental toughness training” to prepare him for the pressure of big tournaments. Wise parents don’t stop training their children!

Matthew 19 – How to Treat Others

The Lord had just taught we must value children, treat them well, and become like them to be saved. From babies to pre-teens (as revealed in Mark and Luke), children were brought to Jesus so He could put His hands upon them and pray for them in Matthew 19. Laying on of hands was traditionally a visible means of revealing love, comfort, and future blessings. The children were as important as the adults and were worthy of Jesus’ time and touch.

The more wealthy, famous, influential, and powerful you are, the less approachable and available you are generally. Jesus had nothing to do with this sort of approachability. He wouldn’t allow His disciples to act as His personal security guards. He put them in their place when the children were brought to Him. Children were an excellent example of the type of person closest to the kingdom of heaven in attitude and action. They approached Jesus with desperate neediness that had no hidden agendas or prideful reluctance.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete treat others with respect regardless of their position on the team by making time for others whenever possible.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “And this gospel of the kingdoms will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 13:17

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