Building a Team

Written By Betty Predmore

ROMANS 15: 1-22

(August 1)

For years, NBA players have been going against each other during basketball season ... one team trying to out-dribble, out-shoot, and out-score the other. They are rivals, on a scheduled path to discover the champion.

But at the end of the season, there are all-star games. Some years, there are even Olympic teams. On these occasions, these rivals are chosen and put together to create one united team of players who bring glory to the sport of basketball with their skills and abilities. Now THOSE are the GAMES TO WATCH!! That is when the sport of basketball really shines!

Paul's message in today's reading is that we are to make the Lord shine. But how can this be done when there is this opposition, this rivalry, between believing Jews and believing Gentiles?

He puts out a plea for these two "teams" to find their way to a harmonious relationship. And while there will be those who are "stronger" in their knowledge and faith, they are not to self-indulge in their own superiority, but they are to be kind and gracious to those who are a little weaker.

When we live to please others instead of ourselves, we will be united. When we unite in our worship of God, what glory that brings him!

Why should we not be accepting of others when Christ has been accepting of us? Dare we ask for that which we are not willing to give? Jesus included both Jews and Gentiles in his ministry without prejudice. We should live in the same way.

The Gentiles were blessed along with the Jews, because they, too, sang the Lord's praises and glorified him. When we live in unity, we receive the gift of joy and peace. It is our reward. We may not get a championship trophy, but we get something so much better.

Paul makes another point as we read on. These all-star players know they are the best of the best. They are very aware of their talents and the fame those talents bring.

Paul encourages us to not be boastful in our gifts and talents. The only glory we give in the glory we give to God. It is he who has given us all that we have, so the boasting should be in him. It is okay to KNOW your talent. It is okay to USE your talent. But the glory for any success it brings you should be given to the Giver.

We may not be all-stars on the basketball court. But when we use our gifts wisely in a way that unites us to other believers, and when we give the glory to God instead of ourselves, we are all-stars for Jesus.

That is when we a crucial part of building the greatest team ... the team for God.


Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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