Write down your thoughts, please.

What is the value of writing down one’s thoughts? How does the process of writing shape one’s ministry? About what would one write if he or she was so inclined? Is there anything unique about writing to a particular audience? How does today’s technology affect the process? While I won’t pretend to answer all these questions today, they are all worthy of your thought and consideration for action.

 

In the big picture, translating one’s thoughts to print enables them to be shared much more broadly around the world and beyond even one’s lifetime. When we read our Bibles we’re thinking the thoughts of men from thousands of years ago. Suppose you’re the prophet Obadiah, the faithful and less flashy contemporary of Elijah. His book is one page. That’s one more page than you or I will secure in the Holy writ. Suppose you’re Philemon, the wealthy friend of the Apostle Paul from Colossae, a letter Paul penned to you is read by Jesus’ followers almost two millennia later. Many of the most profound works of literature across the ages have very humble origins.

 

Please take a stab at writing down your thoughts, talk outlines, ideas and ramblings. The process is helpful in the formation of ideas and could prove to be of tremendous value to your family, friends, coaches, competitors and all those whom you influence.

 

Below is the process I’ve used for years to both write devotional thoughts for people in sport and to form talks with such people. I hope it is of some value to you.

 

Devotion / Chapel Talk Writing Process Outline

 

1) Study and pray

    a. Devotional reading

    b. Personal study of Scripture

    c. Sport related books and periodicals

    d. See the sport related situations in Bible texts

        i. Game-day situations in competition

        ii. Player to player relationship dynamics

        iii. Player / coach relationship dynamics

        iv. Leadership issues

        v. Pain / injury / loss / isolation

        vi. Victory / passion / excitement / community

        vii. Teamwork vs. individualism

        viii. Work ethic / sacrifice

        ix. Respect for coaches, teammates, opponents, officials

        x. Personal development

    e. Identify particular texts and their sport related “front doors.”

    f. Simply outline scriptural applications of the scripture to the sport situations.

2) Write and pray

    a. Develop a question or a series of questions related to the “front door” which will help the reader to recall an experience from his/her life in sport.

    b. Within the opening paragraph, write a sentence which builds a bridge from the sport situation in the chosen text of scripture to the “front door” situation which it illustrates.

    c. In a new paragraph, insert the Bible text in quotes and then paraphrase it in sport vernacular if it seems necessary or helpful.

    d. In a new paragraph, insert the simple outline of application points directly to the sport situation.

    e. Summarize in a final paragraph including a suggestion for prayer.

3) Notes

    a. Write in light of your readers and their particular sport culture.

    b. Write with a clear understanding of the mode of delivery. (Will this be read privately, read out loud or delivered by a speaker?)

    c. Communicate respect and passion for the sport as well as for the scripture. Help them love God and compete greatly.