22 Jun, 2007
Eighth grader commits to USC
Ryan Boatwright, a speedy 5-foot-10, 145-pound rising freshman point guard from Illinois who has yet to make a decision on where he's headed for high school (he's choosing between East Aurora High and West Aurora High), accepted Floyd's scholarship offer while at USC's camp this past weekend.
"They were the first one to show interest in Ryan," said Boatwright's father, Mike. "A lot of people have said Ryan isn't that good, but he went to USC's camp and played well."
Boatwright played well enough that Floyd put forth a scholarship offer on the final day of camp. DePaul, Indiana and a few smaller schools had expressed interest, but USC was the first to step up with an offer.
"It shocked me," Mike Boatwright said of the offer. "But Ryan loved it there and he decided on his own."
Mike Boatwright said the biggest concern surrounding his 14-year-old son's decision is the potential local reaction.
"I'm tremendously concerned," he admitted. "It could get ugly as far as kids getting jealous. I also don't want it to get to his head. I want him to stay humble."
photo courtesy images.google.com & story foxsports.com, 6/19/07
This junior higher got game!
A basketball scholarship is offered to a 14-year-old.
1 Timothy 4:12
12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about what a young follower of Jesus can do?
Paul was a mentor to Timothy. (The Bible doesn't tell us if Paul taught Tim how to shoot hoops.) Paul gave Timothy some great advice that every young believer should apply.
We don't know exactly how old Timothy was, but evidently some people thought he was too young to be a pastor.
It's pretty normal for older Christians to look down on young people because they are...well you know...YOUNG! If older people are used to seeing immaturity in young people, it's easy for them to hold back on their trust of what young people can do.
Are you ready and willing to give the world a new perspective on young people?
Paul is teaching that younger Christians need to earn the respect of their elders by showing maturity. You can do this by being a Christ-like example in your talk, your love, your faith and in your purity of actions. No matter how old or young you are, God will use you to help build His Kingdom. He is simply waiting for you to live in such a way that the world around you will see Christ in you!
Ryan Boatright's dad is excited for his son, but is concerned that he remains humble.
God doesn't give out scholarships for living for Christ and serving Him, but He offers incredible eternal rewards. Can we remain humble?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that He uses everyone who is faithful to help build His Kingdom. Ask His Spirit to help you be faithful so that you might bring honor and glory to God. Ask His Spirit to help you mature in Christ daily. Offer yourself to be used by God in any way He chooses. Ask God to help you be honest about your maturity level if older believers don't seem to trust you yet. Ask Him to help you be patient as you strive to earn their trust.
- Every day, remember that abiding in Christ means that you focus first on being like Jesus and then serving like Jesus.
- Look for a weekly opportunity to serve Jesus with maturity.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder to trust God to use you no matter your age.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story and our story to others?
- Sit down with an older follower of Jesus and ask him or her to tell you their story about what the Lord has taught them about living for Christ. If you're real brave, ask this person to mentor you by holding you accountable in your process of maturing in Christ.
- Encourage your small group or youth group by sharing today's DAILYBIDE with them. It's ok to be young and make a difference!
- Shoot some hoops with friends who need Jesus. Use today's story as a conversation starter to talk about what God is teaching you about serving Him.
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