G. W. Long Homecoming ('21)

PLAN and PURPOSE

COLLEGE — DEGREE, GOOD JOB

WORK FULL TIME — GOTTA EAT and MAKE A LIVING

BEATING DALEVILLE — STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

"Ya’ll Feel Like You Got What it Takes to Beat Daleville?”

“Coach has the plan…you all know your purpose…the only thing left to find out is how much you want it?!?!

You may feel like you already know what your purpose is and even have a plan to fulfill that purpose…BUT I CAN TELL YOU FROM EXPERIENCE—NONE OF THAT MATTERS—IF YOU’RE NOT PASSIONATE ABOUT IT.

2 Timothy 1:5–9 (NLT)

5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

“NOT A SPIRIT OF FEAR”

“Sometimes we don’t make plans because we’re afraid of what the future may hold.”

“With the help and power of God’s Spirit you don’t have to be afraid of the future…you just need to trust in His plan for your life and know that EACH OF YOU have a special purpose in God’s Kingdom.”

“I’m not going to lie to you and tell you I know what that SPECIAL purpose is…BUT I DO KNOW THAT WHATEVER IT IS…IT’S GONNA REQUIRE PASSION.

IT ALSO REQUIRES, “SELF-DISCIPLINE.”

“When we’re passionate about something…the self-discipline will take care of itself.”

MOST IMPORTANTLY, IT REQUIRES “LOVE.”

“It’s not gonna be an EASY road, BUT NONE OF YOU HAVE TO WALK IT ALONE.”

“Instead of letting Jesus take the wheel…Let Jesus take the snap”

“TEAMMATES LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER…On and OFF the field.”

“May you continue to encourage each other and “fan the flame” that burns within each one of you.

1 Peter 4:8–11 NLT

8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.