The Fundamentals

As I was driving in this morning, I heard a story about Jerry Rice. If you don't know, Jerry Rice is considered by some to be the greatest NFL player of all time. He played for the San Franciso 49ers and won 3 Super Bowls. He has scored more points than any other player, not a kicker, at 1,256 and holds over 100 NFL records. No one else even comes close.

So what was the secret to his success? Was he naturally gifted? Was he just lucky? No - he practiced the fundamentals. At 6 am he would be out on the playing field, by himself, running slant routes again and again and again. He would do the stuff that high school players would consider boring and dull.

This led me into a conversation to which I asked, "What are the fundamentals that we need to practice in our faith?"

Philippians 4:9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

What was Paul telling the church in Philippi to do?

Pray - Pray daily.  Each morning take time to talk to God and listen to Him.

Love others - Jesus wanted our hallmark characteristic to be love.

Be grateful and generous.  - Tithe and give to your church.  Be thankful for everything God has entrusted you with.

Read His Word.  Every day, read His word and allow it to affect your life.

Speak into someone's life.  Be ready to encourage someone.  In our busy schedules, we call this an interruption.  But God doesn't care about your plan, He cares about souls.

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, help me to practice these fundamentals every day.  AMEN