September 5, 2026 Issue, Hebrews 3:13 We Play. We Push. We Purpose

FC Grace is inviting you Coach to dig deeper into what God has for you.  God loves you and wants you to become the exact replica of Christ in the unique design God has for you.  Just like a player who must commit himself to physical training, you too Mr. Coach, must submit yourself to spiritual training as well.  Players just love to play but understand that to be their best for their team, they must submit themselves to the team.  

Your love for what God has done, and is going to do, in your life asks you to respond to His love through spiritual training.  However, unlike exhaustive physical training, this spiritual training strengthens you, empowers you, heals you, encourages you and binds you closer and closer to realize God’s steadfast love for you.

Hebrews 3:13 gives a powerful life mission:

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

If you want to be led by the Holy Spirit, focus less on trying to say the perfect thing and more on becoming available every day for God to use you. The Holy Spirit often works through simple words, genuine care, prayer, listening, and faithfulness.

A Holy Spirit-Led Daily Direction

Every Morning

Pray:

"Holy Spirit, fill me today. Let me see people as You see them. Show me who needs encouragement. Give me words that build faith, bring hope, and point people to Jesus. Keep my own heart soft and obedient. Amen."

Read:

• 1 chapter of the Bible

• 1 Psalm or a portion of Proverbs

• Ask: "Lord, what truth should I carry today and share with others?"

Write one encouragement from Scripture that you can give someone.

Daily Routine

1. Encourage One Person Intentionally

Every day choose:

• A family member

• A friend

• A soccer coach

• A teammate

• A neighbor

Send a message, call them, or tell them in person:

"I thank God for you. Keep going. The Lord is with you."

2. Pray for Everyone You Meet

When talking to someone, silently pray:

"Lord Jesus, bless this person."

You may never know how much your prayers help them.

3. Share One Scripture Every Day

Examples:

When someone is discouraged:

"Be strong and courageous. The Lord your God is with you." (Joshua 1:9)

When someone is worried:

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

When someone feels weak:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Words to Encourage Your Family

Parents

·       "Thank you for your sacrifices. God sees your faithfulness."

·       "I am grateful for all you do. May God strengthen you today."

Spouse

·       "I thank God for your life."

·       "The Lord is working through you more than you know."

Children

·       "God has a great purpose for your life."

·       "Jesus loves you and has given you special gifts."

Brothers and Sisters

·       "Keep trusting God. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

·       "I believe God is leading you."

Words to Encourage Friends

·       "Don't give up. God is still writing your story."

·       "Your best days with God are ahead of you."

·       "The Lord who began a good work in you will complete it."

·       "Jesus has never left you and never will."

·       "Keep your eyes on Christ. He is faithful."

Words to Encourage Soccer Coaches and Players in Africa

Many coaches carry pressure, financial challenges, team problems, and personal burdens. Your encouragement can be powerful.

To Coaches

·       "Coach, thank you for investing in young people. Your influence matters."

·       "Keep leading with integrity. God honors faithfulness."

·       "You are shaping lives, not just building teams."

·       "May God give you wisdom and strength for every decision."

Before Training

"Let's give our best today and honor God in how we play and treat each other."

After a Loss

"One result does not define us. Let's learn, grow, and move forward."

After a Win

"Let's stay humble, thankful, and hardworking."

To Players

·       "Your character is more important than the score."

·       "Discipline today creates success tomorrow."

·       "Never stop improving."

·       "Play with faith, teamwork, and respect."

Practical Ways to Encourage Daily

• Send one encouraging text.

• Pray with someone immediately when they share a struggle.

• Thank people specifically.

• Remember birthdays and special dates.

• Ask, "How can I pray for you?"

• Share a testimony of what God has done.

• Smile and greet people warmly.

• Listen more than you speak.

• Visit someone who is lonely.

• Encourage people publicly and correct them privately.

• Speak hope instead of criticism.

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Weekly Challenge

Every week:

• Encourage 7 family members.

• Encourage 7 friends.

• Encourage 3 coaches or mentors.

• Pray for 10 people by name.

• Share the Gospel with at least 1 person.

• Write down how God used you.

A Daily Declaration

Say this each morning:

"Today I belong to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit lives in me. God will use me to encourage others. My words will bring life, faith, hope, and love. I will strengthen others and keep my own heart soft before God. I will point people to Jesus in everything I do. Amen."

May the Lord make you a modern-day Barnabas, "a son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36), so that wherever you go, whether among family, friends, or soccer communities across Africa, people leave your presence with greater faith, hope, and confidence in Christ.