The Four Downs Of Life
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: First Down: The Gift of Life
Devotional: Life begins with a miraculous first down - our birth. Just as a football game starts with anticipation and possibility, our lives begin with unlimited potential. Think about it: at the moment of conception, scientists have discovered there's actually a burst of light! What a beautiful picture of God's creative power at work. In this first stage of life, we're completely dependent on others. We're carried, nurtured, and protected. We don't yet understand the game plan, but God does. He knew us before we were formed, designed us with purpose, and set us on the field of life with a divine destiny. Just as a football team carefully plans their first offensive play, God has thoughtfully crafted your beginning. Your birth wasn't random or accidental - it was intentional. You were fearfully and wonderfully made by the Master Designer who doesn't make mistakes. As you reflect on your first down - your beginning - remember that God has equipped you with exactly what you need for the game of life. Your unique talents, personality, and experiences are all part of His playbook. The question isn't whether you have what it takes; it's whether you'll trust the Coach who created you.
Bible Verse: "I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well." - Psalm 139:14
Reflection Question: How does recognizing that you were intentionally created by God change how you view your purpose and potential in life?
Quote: "First down is when you're born. The Bible says in 139 of Psalms, verse 14, I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the miracle of my life. Help me to appreciate the wonder of how You've made me and to recognize the potential You've placed within me. Guide me to use my unique design for Your glory as I move through each stage of life. Amen.
Devotional: Life begins with a miraculous first down - our birth. Just as a football game starts with anticipation and possibility, our lives begin with unlimited potential. Think about it: at the moment of conception, scientists have discovered there's actually a burst of light! What a beautiful picture of God's creative power at work. In this first stage of life, we're completely dependent on others. We're carried, nurtured, and protected. We don't yet understand the game plan, but God does. He knew us before we were formed, designed us with purpose, and set us on the field of life with a divine destiny. Just as a football team carefully plans their first offensive play, God has thoughtfully crafted your beginning. Your birth wasn't random or accidental - it was intentional. You were fearfully and wonderfully made by the Master Designer who doesn't make mistakes. As you reflect on your first down - your beginning - remember that God has equipped you with exactly what you need for the game of life. Your unique talents, personality, and experiences are all part of His playbook. The question isn't whether you have what it takes; it's whether you'll trust the Coach who created you.
Bible Verse: "I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well." - Psalm 139:14
Reflection Question: How does recognizing that you were intentionally created by God change how you view your purpose and potential in life?
Quote: "First down is when you're born. The Bible says in 139 of Psalms, verse 14, I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the miracle of my life. Help me to appreciate the wonder of how You've made me and to recognize the potential You've placed within me. Guide me to use my unique design for Your glory as I move through each stage of life. Amen.
Day 2: Second Down: Growing in Wisdom
Devotional: The second down of life represents our formative years - a time of education, growth, and discovery. During this season, we begin developing independence while still having the safety net of parents, teachers, and mentors. Like a football team on second down, there's still room for exploration and creativity without the intense pressure of later stages. These years are crucial for establishing our foundation. Just as young Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man, we too are called to develop holistically during this time. The habits, values, and beliefs we form now will carry us through the more challenging downs ahead. God's Word encourages us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth. Why? Because these are the years when our hearts are most receptive, our minds most adaptable, and our futures wide open. The investments we make in our spiritual growth during this season will yield dividends throughout our lives. Whether you're currently in this second down or looking back on it, recognize the importance of this developmental stage. The plays we run during our youth often determine how well we'll perform when the game intensifies.
Bible Verse: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." - Ecclesiastes 12:1
Reflection Question: What spiritual foundations are you building (or did you build) during your "second down" that will sustain you through life's more challenging seasons?
Quote: "Second down is not really a big. It's not much pressure in second down. You guys know this, ladies. You're figuring out you can go back to your life second down. You started school, it's not so bad. But the more you go to school, the harder it gets and things begin to happen."
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the season of growth and learning. Help me to use this time wisely, building strong foundations in Your Word and developing the character that will serve me well in the future. Give me wisdom beyond my years and a heart that seeks You above all else. Amen.
Devotional: The second down of life represents our formative years - a time of education, growth, and discovery. During this season, we begin developing independence while still having the safety net of parents, teachers, and mentors. Like a football team on second down, there's still room for exploration and creativity without the intense pressure of later stages. These years are crucial for establishing our foundation. Just as young Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man, we too are called to develop holistically during this time. The habits, values, and beliefs we form now will carry us through the more challenging downs ahead. God's Word encourages us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth. Why? Because these are the years when our hearts are most receptive, our minds most adaptable, and our futures wide open. The investments we make in our spiritual growth during this season will yield dividends throughout our lives. Whether you're currently in this second down or looking back on it, recognize the importance of this developmental stage. The plays we run during our youth often determine how well we'll perform when the game intensifies.
Bible Verse: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." - Ecclesiastes 12:1
Reflection Question: What spiritual foundations are you building (or did you build) during your "second down" that will sustain you through life's more challenging seasons?
Quote: "Second down is not really a big. It's not much pressure in second down. You guys know this, ladies. You're figuring out you can go back to your life second down. You started school, it's not so bad. But the more you go to school, the harder it gets and things begin to happen."
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the season of growth and learning. Help me to use this time wisely, building strong foundations in Your Word and developing the character that will serve me well in the future. Give me wisdom beyond my years and a heart that seeks You above all else. Amen.
Day 3: Third Down: The Season of Struggle
Devotional: The third down in football is critical - the pressure intensifies, and decisions matter more. Similarly, life's third down brings increased responsibilities: marriage, career, raising children, and navigating complex relationships. This is when life gets real. During this season, we face our greatest challenges and opportunities. The carefree days of youth give way to mortgage payments, career decisions, and family responsibilities. We're no longer just playing the game; we're fighting to advance toward our goals while protecting what matters most. This down truly "separates the dreamers from the doers." It's one thing to have aspirations and quite another to put in the hard work required to achieve them. Many of us discover our true character during this season as we face obstacles that test our faith, perseverance, and commitment. God's Word reminds us that we don't know what tomorrow will bring. This uncertainty can be frightening, but it also teaches us to depend on God daily. Like a quarterback who must trust his training when the defense is charging, we must rely on the spiritual disciplines we've developed when life brings its blitzes. Remember, how you handle third down largely determines your position for the final quarter of life. Run each play with integrity, perseverance, and faith.
Bible Verse: "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." - Proverbs 27:1
Reflection Question: What "plays" is God calling you to execute faithfully in your current season, even when they require sacrifice and perseverance?
Quote: "Third down is when you get married, you have a career, you're raising a family. Second down was fun. You went through school, you got to go to college. If you went to college, you know, there was a lot of things that you just enjoyed doing. It was the fun. Time down one, figuring it out. Down two, time, third down. You have to start fighting."
Prayer: Father, give me strength for the battles of this season. When responsibilities feel overwhelming and challenges seem insurmountable, remind me that You are my coach and provider. Help me to run each play with excellence, not just for my benefit but for the good of those You've entrusted to my care. Amen.
Devotional: The third down in football is critical - the pressure intensifies, and decisions matter more. Similarly, life's third down brings increased responsibilities: marriage, career, raising children, and navigating complex relationships. This is when life gets real. During this season, we face our greatest challenges and opportunities. The carefree days of youth give way to mortgage payments, career decisions, and family responsibilities. We're no longer just playing the game; we're fighting to advance toward our goals while protecting what matters most. This down truly "separates the dreamers from the doers." It's one thing to have aspirations and quite another to put in the hard work required to achieve them. Many of us discover our true character during this season as we face obstacles that test our faith, perseverance, and commitment. God's Word reminds us that we don't know what tomorrow will bring. This uncertainty can be frightening, but it also teaches us to depend on God daily. Like a quarterback who must trust his training when the defense is charging, we must rely on the spiritual disciplines we've developed when life brings its blitzes. Remember, how you handle third down largely determines your position for the final quarter of life. Run each play with integrity, perseverance, and faith.
Bible Verse: "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." - Proverbs 27:1
Reflection Question: What "plays" is God calling you to execute faithfully in your current season, even when they require sacrifice and perseverance?
Quote: "Third down is when you get married, you have a career, you're raising a family. Second down was fun. You went through school, you got to go to college. If you went to college, you know, there was a lot of things that you just enjoyed doing. It was the fun. Time down one, figuring it out. Down two, time, third down. You have to start fighting."
Prayer: Father, give me strength for the battles of this season. When responsibilities feel overwhelming and challenges seem insurmountable, remind me that You are my coach and provider. Help me to run each play with excellence, not just for my benefit but for the good of those You've entrusted to my care. Amen.
Day 4: Fourth Down: Finishing Strong
Devotional: In football, fourth down represents the final opportunity - the last chance to advance before surrendering possession. In life, our fourth down is our later years when physical strength diminishes, but wisdom and perspective deepen. This is when "stuff starts hurting" as our bodies remind us of our mortality. During this season, we face unique challenges: health concerns, loss of loved ones, and the realization that more of our life is behind us than ahead. Yet this down also brings precious opportunities to leave a legacy, mentor others, and prepare for eternity. The good news is that we're not alone on fourth down. Just as the sermon reminds us, "You got a team with you. You got people behind you. You got people beside you." Most importantly, we have a Savior who walks with us through every step of our final quarter. The apostle Paul approached his fourth down with confidence, declaring he had fought the good fight and finished the race. This should be our aim too - not to simply endure our final years, but to finish strong, keeping faith as our focus and heaven as our goal. Remember, in life's fourth down, the clock is ticking for everyone. None of us knows exactly how much time remains. The question isn't whether we'll face fourth down, but how we'll play it when it comes.
Bible Verse: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7
Reflection Question: What legacy do you want to leave behind when your "game" is complete, and what steps can you take today to ensure you finish strong?
Quote: "Fourth down is old age. That's when stuff starts hurting."
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as I face the realities of my fourth down, help me to embrace this season with grace and purpose. Remove any fear of the future by keeping my eyes fixed on You. Let me finish my race well, leaving a legacy of faith that will inspire generations to come. Thank You for the promise that the best touchdown is yet to come. Amen.
Devotional: In football, fourth down represents the final opportunity - the last chance to advance before surrendering possession. In life, our fourth down is our later years when physical strength diminishes, but wisdom and perspective deepen. This is when "stuff starts hurting" as our bodies remind us of our mortality. During this season, we face unique challenges: health concerns, loss of loved ones, and the realization that more of our life is behind us than ahead. Yet this down also brings precious opportunities to leave a legacy, mentor others, and prepare for eternity. The good news is that we're not alone on fourth down. Just as the sermon reminds us, "You got a team with you. You got people behind you. You got people beside you." Most importantly, we have a Savior who walks with us through every step of our final quarter. The apostle Paul approached his fourth down with confidence, declaring he had fought the good fight and finished the race. This should be our aim too - not to simply endure our final years, but to finish strong, keeping faith as our focus and heaven as our goal. Remember, in life's fourth down, the clock is ticking for everyone. None of us knows exactly how much time remains. The question isn't whether we'll face fourth down, but how we'll play it when it comes.
Bible Verse: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7
Reflection Question: What legacy do you want to leave behind when your "game" is complete, and what steps can you take today to ensure you finish strong?
Quote: "Fourth down is old age. That's when stuff starts hurting."
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as I face the realities of my fourth down, help me to embrace this season with grace and purpose. Remove any fear of the future by keeping my eyes fixed on You. Let me finish my race well, leaving a legacy of faith that will inspire generations to come. Thank You for the promise that the best touchdown is yet to come. Amen.
Day 5: The Ultimate Touchdown: Eternal Victory
Devotional: In football, crossing the goal line results in a touchdown and points on the scoreboard. In life, our ultimate touchdown is securing our eternal destiny through faith in Jesus Christ. Unlike a football game where only one team wins, God invites everyone to score this touchdown of salvation. No matter which down you're currently playing - whether you're in the fresh beginnings of first down, the growth of second down, the challenges of third down, or the final push of fourth down - the opportunity to score eternally remains open. The clock may be ticking, but it hasn't expired as long as you have breath. God's playbook, the Bible, gives us the winning strategy: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This simple yet profound play guarantees victory regardless of how many fumbles or penalties you've accumulated throughout the game. When we trust Christ, something remarkable happens. As the sermon beautifully illustrates, Jesus picks up all the penalty flags the enemy has thrown against us. Our sins are forgiven, our debt is paid, and our eternal touchdown is secured. Remember, even those who score the most impressive touchdowns in this world's game - like Tom Brady with his seven Super Bowl rings - recognize there must be more. That "more" is Jesus Christ, who offers a victory that transcends all earthly achievements.
Bible Verse: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." - Romans 10:9
Reflection Question: If today were your last opportunity to score the eternal touchdown, what would prevent you from putting your complete trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior?
Quote: "When you are saved and forgiven, you score the touchdown. And when you score in eternity, that means that you have trusted Jesus Christ as your savior and you have prepared for eternity."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for making a way for me to score the ultimate touchdown through Your Son Jesus Christ. I confess that I've run my own plays and fallen short of Your glory. Today, I choose to trust in Your game plan for salvation. Thank You for picking up the penalty flags against me and securing my place in Your eternal end zone. Help me to live each remaining down for Your glory. Amen.
Devotional: In football, crossing the goal line results in a touchdown and points on the scoreboard. In life, our ultimate touchdown is securing our eternal destiny through faith in Jesus Christ. Unlike a football game where only one team wins, God invites everyone to score this touchdown of salvation. No matter which down you're currently playing - whether you're in the fresh beginnings of first down, the growth of second down, the challenges of third down, or the final push of fourth down - the opportunity to score eternally remains open. The clock may be ticking, but it hasn't expired as long as you have breath. God's playbook, the Bible, gives us the winning strategy: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This simple yet profound play guarantees victory regardless of how many fumbles or penalties you've accumulated throughout the game. When we trust Christ, something remarkable happens. As the sermon beautifully illustrates, Jesus picks up all the penalty flags the enemy has thrown against us. Our sins are forgiven, our debt is paid, and our eternal touchdown is secured. Remember, even those who score the most impressive touchdowns in this world's game - like Tom Brady with his seven Super Bowl rings - recognize there must be more. That "more" is Jesus Christ, who offers a victory that transcends all earthly achievements.
Bible Verse: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." - Romans 10:9
Reflection Question: If today were your last opportunity to score the eternal touchdown, what would prevent you from putting your complete trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior?
Quote: "When you are saved and forgiven, you score the touchdown. And when you score in eternity, that means that you have trusted Jesus Christ as your savior and you have prepared for eternity."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for making a way for me to score the ultimate touchdown through Your Son Jesus Christ. I confess that I've run my own plays and fallen short of Your glory. Today, I choose to trust in Your game plan for salvation. Thank You for picking up the penalty flags against me and securing my place in Your eternal end zone. Help me to live each remaining down for Your glory. Amen.
Posted in Pastor Chris