Archive for the ‘Biblical Perspectives’ Category

Why did you think it was important to write Game Day for the Glory of God: A Guide for Athletes, Fans, and Wannabes?

For many Christians, sports play a huge role in their lives, consuming vast quantities of their time. Sports are a wonderful gift from God and a wonderful means of sanctification, and each game presents the athlete with an opportunity to grow in Christ-likeness. Unfortunately, it sports seem to be a somewhat neglected topic, with very little written on the subject. My desire was simply to help people think biblically about the topic of sports.

Are you an athlete? Tell us a little bit about your experience with athletes and/or athletics in general.

I’m a limited athlete. I love watching and playing sports and played organized baseball from age 9 to 19. I also play pickup basketball on a regular basis and have played in several church athletic leagues, although that hardly counts as being an athlete. So I guess you could call me an athlete in the same way you could call Taco Bell Mexican food. I try.

Could you give us an example of a situation when participating in sports where one could be tempted to sin and how to respond biblically?

Yikes. I could give you hundreds of examples from my own life. I’m often tempted to be sinfully proud about my athletic abilities, and I want others to recognize my abilities and praise me for them. The biblical response however, would be for me to recognize that all of my abilities are a gift from God and to thank him for giving me some measure of talent. When I play well my first response should be to transfer all glory to God.

How would this advice differ for someone who might not play sports, but loves to watch sports?

Watching sports is an opportunity for us to worship God. When I see LeBron James make an incredible play, I’m seeing a faint reflection of the glory of God. Excellence on the playing field gives us a faint glimpse of the excellence of God. When I witness an athlete do something incredible, I can seize that moment to praise God for his glory.

Could you whet the appetite of our readers a little bit? What are some of the specific issues you sought to address in your book?

Sure. Just a few questions that I seek to answer are:

- How do we live life for the glory of God?
- How do we use our athletic abilities to glorify God?
- What’s the connection between God and the joy we experience while playing and watching sports?
- What are God’s priorities for us on the playing field?
- How do we win and lose for the glory of God?
- What is the role of parents in helping their children play sports for the glory of God?

How has application of the principles outlined in your book served you in your own life?

This book was partially written out of my own struggles, and I’m still trying to apply the principles in the book to my own life. For example, before I play pickup basketball I often take a few moments to pray. I ask God to help me play for his glory, to play humbly, and to encourage others. When I’m done playing sports I seek to thank God for the gift of sports and the gift of my healthy body. But I’m definitely a work in progress.

What are some other resources you might recommend for those desiring further study of this topic?

C.J. Mahaney did an excellent blog post entitled “Fathers, Sons, and March Madness”, which actually appears as an appendix to my book. You can also view the post online at the following link: http://blog.t4g.org/2006/03/let_the_madness.html

I saw that you have self-published a book about your father, Mark Altrogge. How has your relationship with him shaped your views on athletes, fans, and wannabes?

My dad has been the single most influential person in my life when it comes to my spiritual life. He taught me to be dependent on God before each baseball game by praying, to respect and honor my coaches, and to set an example for my teammates. And he taught me to see the glory of God everywhere, including the arena of sports. I’m the better athlete however!

Besides being a published author, you are also a gifted songwriter and musician. Do you have any new albums or songs coming out soon?

Sovereign Grace Ministries is releasing an album this August that’s based on the Psalms. I have two songs on the album.

Most of my readers are athletes, sports enthusiasts, or simply people who desire to take care of their health. With that in mind, I always must ask at the end of my interviews something about exercise. What is your current exercise regimen?

Regimen might be too strong of a word. I play basketball as much as I can, go for walks with my wife, and generally try to stay in decent shape.

Thank you so much, Stephen, for taking time to share about your upcoming book, Game Day for the Glory of God: A Guide for Athletes, Fans, and Wannabes.You may preorder Stephen’s book from Good News & Crossway by clicking here.

More about the author:

Stephen Altrogge  works as a pastoral intern at Sovereign Grace Church of Indiana, PA, where his main duties include leading worship, working with college students, and shining his dad’s shoes. He also has written several worship songs that have been included on Sovereign Grace Music albums. Stephen is the author of the book Game Day For the Glory of God: A Guide For Athletes, Fans, and Wannabes, which will be published by Crossway Books in September 2008.  Stephen, along with his father Mark, are the writers at The Blazing Center Blog. When not shining his dad’s shoes, you can find Stephen drinking coffee or playing video games. You can contact Stephen by clicking here. 

Over the past few months I have had the privelge of getting to know a woman who, like many of you, suffers with a chronic condition called fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Trish Barnett has struggled with fibro/chronic fatigue for over ten years now and so when I asked her to share her testimony with you she gladly accepted. I believe her excitement and desire to share comes from her love for the Lord and understanding of what He has done for her through His death on a cross.  With that said, I hope you will be encouraged by Trish’s testimony.

Sometimes I wonder, “Why me?”  Why has God allowed affliction to come my way? Why is it His perfect will for me to suffer a chronic condition that at this time has no cure?  Somehow I think if I understand ‘why’ then I might be more accepting of my circumstances.  Scripture, however, commands me to trust in God and not my own understanding.  (Proverbs 3:5) 

I used to be able to accomplish so much.  I was very active and threw myself into all life had to offer.  Regardless of the arena (e.g. school, work, church, relationships, fitness, or social activities), I went at it 110%.  I burned the candle at both ends and enjoyed living at mach speed.  If I got tired, I’d push through to my second, third, or fourth wind.  My mantra was, “You create energy by expending energy.”

About 15 years ago, I began to notice I wasn’t bouncing back like I used to.  I started to need caffeine and sugar to kick-start and restart my day.  I was tired, and often the fatigue felt more like exhaustion.  I was achy, like I had the flu.  Some mornings I woke up feeling like I’d slept in a shoe box.  For five years I tried to get help from my doctor, but she simply blew me off and eventually suggested I was a hypochondriac.

The symptoms worsened and began to include neuropathy.  I finally changed doctors, and the new one took a keen interest in my condition.  He initially suspected Multiple Sclerosis, but tests ruled it and other neurological disorders out.  To make a very long story short, numerous consultations with my wonderful primary care physician and other specialists pointed to Fibromyalgia.  Though there is no conclusive test, my symptoms seemed to fall into the category of that syndrome or a combination of Fibro/Chronic Fatigue.

Most of us who live in the United States in the 21^st century are unfamiliar with suffering or even discomfort.  So many things, including health, are within easy reach.  We live in a climate-controlled world where we don’t have to wait long for anything.  Diseases that used to kill are now treatable.  We are blessed to live in an age where God can heal or help through medical means.

But what if He doesn’t?  How do we navigate through life when our set of circumstances includes chronic suffering?  When our senses have been dulled by so much comfort and relief?  When pride assumes entitlements?

Whatever it is I have, it has been a sanctifying tool in the hands of a loving God.  Though there are many people who suffer far worse afflictions and trials, this has been enough to get my attention and keep my attention.  This trial is humbling me.  It teaches me to trust God, to rely on Him, and at times, lean heavily upon Him.  I’ve learned my identity is in Christ and in nothing else.  I am learning patience, perseverance, and endurance.  I am more compassionate, understanding, and sympathetic toward others who suffer. I have opportunities to experience God’s love, mercy, grace, help, and strength as never before.

Learning to live within limitations is a process, but God is faithful to help me.  My world is small, but it could be smaller.  I try to intentionally look for things I can be grateful for and then intercede for others.  I might feel miserable because I had a sleepless night or because my symptoms have flared, but I can thank God that I had a comfortable mattress to lie upon and that I am able to lift myself out of bed.  I will then pray for others I know (or know of) who do not have such luxuries.  As I go through my day, I can easily think of people or ministries who need my prayers.  Thinking of them and praying for them refocuses my perspective.

When people ask how they can pray for me, the first item on the list is humility.  I believe if I am humble, I will embrace my circumstances and live in a way that pleases and glorifies God.  Psalm 16:5-6 says, “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot.  The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”  I believe God can help His people thrive in their circumstances, regardless of how difficult they may seem.  He truly does cause all grace to abound to us so that in all things, at all times, we’ll have all that we need.  (2 Corinthians 9:8)

I have been greatly helped by the writings of Charles Spurgeon, a preacher who suffered physical affliction.  I’ll end with one my favorite snippets from him: “Unerring wisdom ordained your lot, and selected for you the safest and best condition. . . Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there . . . ”

Today I will begin a new series on chronic pain and suffering. I hope to provide information every Tuesday in February for people who might be struggling with various diseases, injuries that have resulted in chronic pain, or other conditions that have symptoms of chronic pain or fatigue. Maybe you know a friend or family member or even a co-worker who might be dealing with these symptoms. If so, I hope you will join me to as we learn about the conditions and learn about the exercises that will best serve our friends.

Before I begin I’d like to highlight a few resources that I found.

1) I believe our greatest need is God and an understanding of how to approach this issue biblically so with that said, I’d like to start by suggesting John Piper’s (and others) Suffering and the Sovereignty of God. By clicking on the link you will find information about the book and because of Desiring God’s generosity you’ll find an online version absolutely FREE!

2) Joni Eareckson Tada has a website designed to  accelerate Christian ministry in the disability community. To learn more visit Joni and Friends. I would also highly recommend When God Weeps- Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty,by Joni Eareckson Tada. You can purchase by clicking here.

For more general information and research you may try:

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. I have linked the page on chronic pain.

The Mayo Clinic’s page on Fibromyalgia

I do not endorse the above research institutions but do believe they may have helpful and useful information. 

As I mentioned in my about section of the blog, I am a wife and a mother. Spending time with the Lord, caring for my family, and serving my church are my number one priorities. That is one reason why I am excited about blogging about my training experience on Friday’s. I believe each week as I evaluate my training times and each day as I record what I have done I will also have a moment to evaluate where I’ve placed my best energies. In other words, did I skip spending time with the Lord to run? Did I adequately care for my home or was that placed on the side to run? If the answers to these questions are yes, by God’s grace I can repent and seek to change.

 I know placing this training adventure before my most important priorities will be a temptation which is why I’ve set out to help guard against it now. There are two ways I hope to fight against this temptation:

 1) If I haven’t spent some time before the feet of Jesus I’m not going to run. I can imagine some might find this to be extreme or even legalistic. I know that my time with God does not earn any favor before God! It’s not that I think He needs me to do anything, He doesn’t at all! I need Him! I am desperate for Him. By the grace of God, my priority and focus will be on God, which I also believe will make my times of exercising more enjoyable as I focus on God’s glory in allowing me to do this.

2) I will, by the grace of God, fight against idolatry through God’s Word and a little help from a godly pastor CJ Mahaney. You can find his resources on idolatry at the Sovereign Grace Ministries website by clicking here.

(special note: If you’ve ever heard CJ speak you’ll know quickly that he does not desire glory! He also doesn’t want to be elevated in any way. I use CJ’s messages a few times not to elevate him, not to bring attention to him, but because of the gift he is to the movement that I am affiliated with. You will most likely also see messages and information from those whom I am closest with and receive the most encouragement from, those who I love and hold dear to my heart- my pastors!)

Let the training begin!!

Most of us have probably been thinking about 2008. I found these posts to be helpful in thinking about how to pray through, plan and think about the new year. Enjoy!

Tim Challies, Your Goodness Will be With Me

Stephen Altrogge, How to Make New Year’s Resolutions

Mark Altrogge, My Favorite New Year’s List

Bob Kauflin- What I Never What To Do In 2008

Jonathan Edward’s Resolutions from the Desiring God library

Mike Plewniak’s Manvotions

Nicole Whitacre’s Keeping Right Resolutions

Happy New Year!

I enjoy food. Actually, I love food! I think about food, I make up recipes, I cook often- you get the picture. I guess you could say I hunger for and desire food. Lately I have experienced a great and powerful desire for something greater- someone greater. God has brought me to an end of myself and I am seeing more and more my need for him. God has helped bring about this illumination through A Hunger for God, by John Piper. I have been reading this book for the past few weeks and by God’s grace I have been convicted of a lack of passion for Him. The good news is by His grace I can have a passion for Him! If you find yourself in a dry and weary place join me in crying out to the Lord for help, mercy in time of need, and fresh grace for the race!

“And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 8: 2-3 (ESV)

Before continuing our practical discussion on exercise and fitness for the people struggling with overeating and obesity I thought I would redirect you to some recent interviews at the GirlTalk blog and a 60 day course that I have mentioned before.

May I make a plea that before you begin tackling an exercise program, before you change your diet, before you step on the scale, first take a look at your heart. This concept may be strange to many of you or you may be thinking “I am looking at my heart. That’s why I need to exercise!”  What I mean is out of our hearts comes all sorts of desires and motives and ”the heart is deceitful above all things…” (Jeremiah 17:9).  With that in mind, ask God to help make it clear to you how you might approach your exercise program and how you might glorify Him as you search out your heart and apply practical suggestions for making changes to your daily habits.

To start maybe reread (or read if you haven’t had a chance to) the interviews from the Food Talk on Girl Talk series that just ended.

If all this discussion about the heart has you interested in learning more about what God might have to say about overeating, dieting and exercise may I suggest taking the Setting Captives Free course The Lord’s Table.

More practical information coming soon!

Earlier I had mentioned that I am currently doing a Bible study at home called The Lord’s Table sponsored by Setting Captives Free. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 60 day study and look forward to continuing on in the mentorship program. I hope to spend sometime in the near future sharing what I have learned with you and introducing you to that wonderful ministry. Today I wanted to share a little from one of our lessons pertaining to exercise.

“….for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” I Timothy 4:8 (ESV)

Training our body is of some value! No, it’s not the most important, “for godliness is of value in every way”, but it is of some value and therefore worth attention. I share this with you because I have a biblical conviction that it is important to care for our health. It is of some value. Where we get in trouble is when we place too much importance on our outer appearance. The Girl Talkers in their book Shopping for Time elaborate, “…If exercise is crowding out our time with the Lord, or if we are more passionate about health food than the gospel or more concerned with staying thin than serving others, then our physical body should cease to be our primary focus,” (Shopping for Time, p. 60). As with all things, there is a temptation to make exercise or our outward appearance an idol (an object of our worship). We want to fight this temptation.

In contrast we may struggle with laziness.

The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!There is a lion in the streets!”14 As a door turns on its hinges,so does a sluggard on his bed.15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. Proverbs. 13-16 (ESV)

Here is commentary about this verse from The Lord’s Table lesson 33:

“We notice from verse 13 above that a lazy person often makes up a reason to stay in his laziness (a lion in the road). This supposed “lion” is an invention of his own imagination (during the daytime when men should be at work, lions are in their dens–Psalm 104:22-23), and only an excuse for failing to do what he needs to do.”

It’s so easy to make excuses not to exercise. My favorite that I like to say when I just don’t feel like exercising is, “It’s too cold outside.” What? It’s too cold outside. Then don’t exercise outside. What I am really saying is, “I’d rather stay snuggled up to this couch and lay here.” Rest is needed so I am not saying we should not rest. Often I know when I need to rest and when I’m just being lazy.

But thanks be to God that He died for the lazy and the idolater! Jesus Christ died on the Cross bearing all sins and all the wrath of God. If you are a Christian ask God for help, repent of your sin, and receive His amazing grace. If you are not a Christian I would encourage you to review this presentation of the gospel by clicking here. Then find a friend or pastor and share with them!

“Sleep? Is she really going to write about sleep?” I know, I know, sleep doesn’t seem like something you’d see on a blog about fitness and nutrition. The fact is, sleep is an essential element to our general health and well-being. We need sleep to restore our bodies; and as you’ll see later, sleep is even spoken about in the Bible and getting sleep shows our dependence on God.

Health Benefits

Instead of giving you health benefits I want to direct your attention to a foundation completely devoted to sleep. I have not researched the National Sleep Foundation’s entire site so therefore I can not recommend everything written, but I am sure you will benefit from their research on sleep and the importance of it. Read Sleep-Wake Cycle: Its Physiology and Impact on Health for more information about the health benefits of sleep.

A Biblical Perspective

CJ Mahaney, President of Sovereign Grace Ministries, preached about this very topic- sleep. If you would like to understand all that the Bible says about sleep and why it’s important to God please check out CJ’s message, A Biblical Understanding of Sleep.

I’d like to leave you with a prayer from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.

Sleep

Thou hast promised thy beloved sleep;
Give me restoring rest needful for tomorrow’s toil;
If dreams be mine,
let them not be tinged with evil.
Let thy Spirit make my time of repose
a blessed temple of his holy presence….

I retire this night in full assurance of one day awaking with thee.

All glory for this precious hope,
for the gospel of grace,
for thine unspeakable gift of Jesus,
for the fellowship of the Trinity.
Withhold not thy mercies in the night season;
thy hand never wearies,
thy power needs no repose,
thine eye never sleeps.

Help me when I helpless lie,
when my conscience accuses me of sin,
when my mind is harassed by foreboding thoughts,
when my eyes are held awake by personal anxieties.

Show thyself to me as the God of all grace,
love and power;
thou hast a balm for every wound,
a solace for all anguish,
a remedy for every pain,
a peace for all disquietude.
Permit me to commit myself to thee awake or asleep.

(Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, Edited by Arthur Bennett p.298-299)