Perfect, Ken — let’s make this something that can speak to athletes, coaches, families, and your broader Christian prep community. Here’s a full Sermon on the Mount Devotional Series draft tailored for your website, fully formatted with headings, Scripture callouts, and reflection prompts: — Grace in the Game: Sermon on the Mount Devotional Series Intro: Every athlete knows what it means to chase a goal — a win, a scholarship, or personal best. But Jesus calls us to pursue something even greater: righteousness, character, and a heart aligned with God. In the Sermon on the Mount, He teaches timeless lessons that turn competition, teamwork, and daily life into acts of faith. — 1. Fulfillment of the Law Matthew 5:17 — “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Reflection: Jesus shows that His teaching perfects God’s commands. It’s not about following rules for appearances but embodying the spirit behind them. Faith Drill: Ask yourself: Am I playing, competing, and leading with integrity that honors God, not just chasing a trophy? — 2. Blessed are the Poor in Spirit Matthew 5:3 — “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Reflection: Humility opens the door to grace. Dependence on God, not ego, is the foundation of true strength. Faith Drill: Start each practice or game with a moment of humility — recognizing God as the ultimate coach of your life. — 3. Blessed are the Merciful Matthew 5:7 — “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Reflection: Mercy in action — forgiving teammates, respecting opponents, showing compassion — reflects God’s heart. Faith Drill: Find one teammate or competitor this week to intentionally encourage or forgive. — 4. Blessed are the Pure in Heart Matthew 5:8 — “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Reflection: Integrity matters more than highlight reels. Play with sincerity, not for applause, knowing God sees what others don’t. Faith Drill: Journal about one area where you can act with greater honesty, even when no one is watching. — 5. Blessed are the Peacemakers Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Reflection: Great leaders calm chaos and unite teams. Your influence matters more than your stats. Faith Drill: Look for conflicts around you — on your team, in school, at home — and take a step to bring understanding or unity. — 6. Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness Matthew 5:6 — “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Reflection: Pursue what’s right with the same passion you bring to your sport. Satisfaction comes from chasing God’s truth, not just trophies. Faith Drill: Set a spiritual goal this week: memorize a verse, pray daily, or serve someone in need. — 7. Blessed are Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake Matthew 5:10 — “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Reflection: Standing for your faith may cost something — but the reward in God’s kingdom far outweighs temporary applause. Faith Drill: Reflect on one situation where you can stand for your values this week, even if it’s uncomfortable. — Closing Challenge: Faith in action transforms every game, practice, and interaction into ministry. Play hard, stay humble, lead with character, and let your life reflect the One who fulfills every promise. > “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23 — If you want, Ken, I can turn this into a website-ready layout with: Section headings styled for easy reading Scripture callouts in highlighted boxes “Faith Drill” prompts in callout panels Optional imagery placeholders for locker rooms, teams, and Christian symbols It would be ready to post directly on ChristianPrepFootball.com and feel like a professional devotional series. Do you want me to do that next?
