The NCAA Tournament officially begins around noon eastern on Thursday, and all of our brackets need to be filled out and finalized by then. (*We hope you'll join the UNPACKIN' it BRACKET CHALLENGE!) Some people don’t give their brackets much thought, but many of us diligently make decisions on what teams we believe will win each matchup during each round of the tournament. As we make our picks, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we consider many different factors. We consider how each team has been seeded, what their overall record is, whether or not they won their conference tournament, what conference they play in, who their coach is, and how good their best players are. We may also examine closely what matchup advantages each team has, how much experience the players have, and how strong their depth has been during the season. We’ll take a look at each school’s tournament history and evaluate their previous results, as well. Serious thought will be given as to how good each team’s defense and offense are, along with all of the important stats. For the teams we’ve seen play this year, we’ll think back to what we observed with the eye test and determine how likely they are to make a run in the tournament. In addition, we'll consider what teams the college basketball experts are picking on their bracket and we’ll follow the lead of the analysts who have a proven track record. The concept of “considering” can help before making decisions on our bracket, but even more so when it comes to decisions in life. In contemplating a decision, what do we usually consider? Do we give serious thought to wise counsel, what God’s Word says, and how our choices affect others? Or, like some people with their brackets, do we neglect to examine or evaluate, and hastily make our picks and keep going? The call to consider isn’t only important in decision-making, but it’s also found throughout the Bible in other contexts. It’s clear that there's value in examining closely, observing, evaluating, and giving serious thought to certain things. Hebrews 10:24 (AMP) says, “...and let us consider how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds…” How often do we consider reaching out intentionally to our friends and family with an encouraging word or a Bible verse to help them persevere in their faith? Do we consider how we can show gratitude toward others, which in turn will also encourage them? Another practice of considering is found in Hebrews 13:7 (AMP) which tells us to, “Remember your leaders who brought you the Word of God; and consider the result of their conduct , and imitate their faith .” Do we ever give serious thought to the way leaders, mentors, and pastors with proven track records, actually live their lives? Do we observe the fruit in their lives and examine the results they experience for living according to God’s way? Do we consider how we can imitate them in specific ways? Lastly, we must examine and consider what we've been doing and what we're currently doing. In Haggai 1:5 (AMP) it says, “Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Consider your ways and thoughtfully reflect on your conduct!'" Are we willing to consider the choices we’ve made, evaluate the path we’re on, observe how we spend our time, and reflectively consider making any necessary changes? Today, let's choose to move forward by examining our hearts and considering God’s Word and His leading. Let's pick His path to victory and thoughtfully follow Jesus! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please reveal to me what I need to observe and consider in my life. I pray You'd help me reflect on my conduct and lead me to make the right changes. Please give me good examples of leaders I can imitate as they demonstrate their reliance on You. Please show me, someone, I can encourage today. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What does it look like for you to examine and consider your own life?
2. What do you have a tough time considering - who to encourage...who to imitate...or your own conduct?
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