10 Dec, 2010

Don't Forget Your Helmet!

NFL concussion committee hears from helmet makers
 
NEW YORK – Commissioner Roger Goodell was planning to briefly stop by the hotel where the NFL's head, neck and spine medical committee met Wednesday to hear from equipment makers, researchers, the military and NASCAR about how to improve helmet safety and cut down on concussions.

Goodell wound up listening in for a few hours.

"There was a general view that the helmets have improved, but we all have to work harder to find how we're going to take it to the next evolution of those helmets — gathering all the data, gathering all the technology that's being developed," Goodell said. "There are some very positive developments, but there are different approaches, and that was clear."
 
Story and Photo courtesy of news.yahoo.com.
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Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV)
The Whole Armor of God
 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about helmets?
Have you ever taken the time to wonder why Paul chose the helmet to represent salvation?  According to Zondervan's NIV Study Bible, "the helmet both protected the soldier and provided a stiking symbol of military victory."  

Protection.  The helmet of salvation protects us from doubts that could cause serious injury to our relationship with Jesus.  

Provision.  There's something about seeing a football team raise their helmets in the air after a game.  There's a  sense of pride, a sense of belonging to that particular program.  Whether it's high school, college, or the NFL.  Our helmet of salvation is also a reminder that our identity is in Christ now.  We have a transformed mind (Romans 12:2). We are part of God's Forever Family and there is an enemy who wants to pull us away from that family (Ephesians 6:16).

Put on your Helmet of Salvation today, along with the rest of the Whole Armor of God.

How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to My Life?
I once heard a story about someone who took time every morning to visualize himself putting on the Armor of God.  As he spoke this verse out loud each morning, he would "put on" that piece of the armor before he left his room.  Consider doing that yourself this weekend and next week.  First, memorize Today's God's Story scripture, then take some time each morning to "put on" the Armor.  
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
  • Do you have a friends who are following Jesus but seem to be struggling to keep their eyes on Him?  Remind them that God has a suit of Armor for us to wear in this battle against the evil one.  Suggest they do the same exercise of memorizing and putting on the armor.  Consider holding one another accountable for a couple of weeks.  Be sure to share with one another about any difference you see in your relationship with Jesus.
  • If you find yourself watching the NFL games this weekend chances are you'll hear someone talking about Today's Story, or one like it regarding the helmet-to-helmet hits this year.  Use that as an opportunity to talk about today's DailyBide and the Armor of God.
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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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