Things didn't unfold as Paul had planned - but God's plans are never stopped. Our plans might be detoured, but God's plans are never derailed. The Apostle Paul's godly courage wasn't confined by his circumstances and he teaches us how to live with that courage in our day. He's modeling that we can flourish where God puts you.

Things didn't unfold as Paul had planned - but God's plans are never stopped. Our plans might be detoured, but God's plans are never derailed. The Apostle Paul's godly courage wasn't confined by his circumstances and he teaches us how to live with that courage in our day. He's modeling that we can flourish where God puts you.

What is the defining characteristic of a growing Christian? Is it how much we know? Is it keeping a list of rules? In his opening remarks to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul addresses this issue. Although the answer sounds simple, the implications it has for the way we live are profound.

Generosity stirs us – it inspires – it catches people’s attention; but generosity isn’t natural? It is one of the core characteristics of God and is to become more and more reflected in those journeying with Him. As we mature in Christ - giving & generosity should become our first reaction instead of our last resort. Practice it, because, generosity wins!

We have a lot of longings in life – a lot of things we ‘thirst’ for, in order to find satisfaction, fulfillment, and significance. What we all ultimately thirst for is a life-giving grace. Jesus makes a statement about being the source of life-giving grace and the Church echoes that invitation today. 4 key implications flow out of John's gospel account toward this grace in our lives. (John 7:37-38, John 10:10, John 20:30-31)

Isolation is not the divine norm for human beings; community is a creation of God. All of us struggle with the condition of aloneness when we face heartache, loss, rejection, failure, struggle, change, etc. As followers of Christ we must move away from aloneness and into community. We're also called to remove aloneness from those around us.

Have you ever taken in a game court side or the cheap seats? They share a commonality: both involve sitting and watching. The life God invites us into is one of action and participation over mere observation. We're to 'get into the game' of life as a part of God's team. Bryan unpacks some Ephesians 2:10 and some implications for us to get involved and "Avoid the Bleachers".

As we wrap up our TRAINING CAMP series, we have the honor of welcoming V.P. of Arizona Athletics / Athletic Director: Greg Byrne. His story is one of training in faith and exercising leadership as you follow Christ. You'll be inspired by his journey, humility and lessons learned. Hear his story meshing together the realms of athletics and faith. You can follow him on Twitter: @Greg_Byrne

We're glad to welcome one of our own, Gebben Miles to share his faith story. Gebben is the 2012 World Champion in Sporting Clays. Hear his testimony surrounding the struggles God guided him out of and how his story now is one of commitment to using his work as worship. You'll be challenged to utilize your sphere of influence to point people to Christ and to live authentically dedicated to God.

We're glad to welcome Daniel Boice to Elements as he shares his story of God's "redirection" in his life. Daniel is the manager of the University of Arizona Women's Basketball team and leader in Athletes in Action on campus. We also examine the difference between "trying" and "training" in the spiritual life the Scriptures call us to in the theme verse for this series (1 Timothy 4:7-8).