Have you ever thought of what a “dream team” would look like?
The first ten players for the “Dream Team” were officially selected on September 21, 1991: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls, John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz, Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers, Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics, Patrick Ewing of the New York Knicks, Chris Mullin of the Golden State Warriors, David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs, and Charles Barkley of the Philadelphia 76ers (later traded to the Phoenix Suns). David Robinson had played with the 1988 Olympic team, and was especially eager to earn a gold medal at Barcelona. Clyde Drexler of the Portland Trail Blazers was added to the team on May 12, 1992, along with Christian Laettner of Duke University. Laettner was the only player selected for the national team without any professional experience, and beat out Louisiana State University's Shaquille O'Neal for the final spot on the roster.
The Dream Team made its debut on June 28, 1992, at the Tournament of the Americas, an Olympic qualifying event in Portland, Oregon. The team defeated Cuba 136–57, prompting Cuban coach Miguel Calderón Gómez to say, “You can't cover the sun with your finger.” The next five games were also easy victories for Team USA, who ended the tournament on July 5, 1992, with a 127–80 victory over Venezuela.
At the Olympics, opposing teams were overwhelmed by the talent of the American roster, losing by an average of 43.8 points per game. The closest of the eight matches was Team USA's 117–85 victory in the gold medal game against Croatia. Charles Barkley was the Dream Team's leading scorer during the Olympics, averaging 18.0 points per game. Fans in Barcelona greeted the Dream Team with great enthusiasm. Fans gathered outside the team's hotel, hoping to see their favorite players. “It was like Elvis and the Beatles put together,” remarked Chuck Daly. Opposing basketball players and athletes from other sports often asked to have photographs taken with the players.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
As I have shared before I always have wanted to be a part of a winning team. It seems that all the sports teams that I have been a part of have gotten close to winning championships and titles but never have come out as number one until now. I have discovered through God’s word that the hope of this world lies in the hands of two entities: the church and the family. God has chosen these two to accomplish His dream. Let’s call them His “dream teams” and I get to be a part of both!
God has called us to be a part of His “dream team” for reaching, for reconciling His people back to Himself. (Matthew 28:19-20) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Often when I read this verse I am overwhelmed by it’s gargantuan mandate. Even though we have seen many people give their hearts to Christ through the ministry of Sierra Vista Community Church I realize that we haven’t made a dent on the work that needs to be done in our community. This grieves me since I have a deep passion to make a difference. I believe that God has allowed me to be born at this time, in the family I was born into, married the woman I did, placed me in the current ministry that I have and called me to not only pastor Sierra Vista Community Church but the entire community of Las Cruces.
Take a moment and read (Acts 18) so that you can get familiar with one of God’s dream teams. Their name was Priscilla and Aquila, two unlikely people who would make a huge difference in the Kingdom of God.
God cared for the apostle Paul in practical ways. He encouraged Paul in his ministry with a vision. He gave Paul good friends, such as Aquila and Priscilla, to encourage him in the faith. God even provided a way for Paul to support himself through tent making. Even though Paul had to face many obstacles and severe opposition to his preaching, God always provided enough resources so that Paul could serve him.
OPEN
1. When has an unexpected surprise brightened your day?
EXPLORE
2. How did Aquila and Priscilla help the apostle Paul? (17:2-3, 18)
3. How did the arrival of Silas and Timothy impact Paul’s ministry? (17:5)
4. What words of encouragement did God give to Paul in a vision? (17:9-10)
5. Why did Gallio throw Paul’s accusers out of his court? (17:12-16)
GET IT
6. When have the demands of ministry left you feeling drained?
7. How did God minister to you during that time?
8. How can friends within the church protect and support us?
9. In what circumstances do you tend to doubt God’s love and concern for you?
APPLY
10. How can you trust God to meet your needs today?
Question excerpted from Illumina Bible Program
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