Life Is Like A Basketball Game!

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

”What is LIFE? How do you define LIFE?- A kids song says, “Life is but a dream.”

We will discuss today the meaning of Life, how to take advantage of the OPPORTUNITIES, and what shall we do to attain SUCCESS in LIFE.

Yesterday, I was tempted to browse in the internet the life of Michael Jordan. And I want to share with you what I’ve found about his amazing career.

-Michael Jordan was called the world’s most famous basketball star.

-Jordan retired from the Chicago Bulls after 13 seasons and six NBA World Championships

-At the age of 35 retired from the game of basketball

-He led the Bulls to three straight NBA championships, 1991, 1992 and 1993.

-And along the way Jordan picked up five regular season Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, six Finals MVPs, 10 scoring titles, and made 12 all-star appearances and many amazing, magical moments from last-second shots to phenomenal scoring outbursts.

-Jordan also was named by the NBA as one of the 50 greatest players of all time.

-But more important than the records and the victories, Jordan had a charm, class and a nice guy image that made him bigger-much bigger-than basketball.

-His name and face are recognized immediately all over the globe. It seems everyone-not just basketball fans-love Michael Jordan.

-He remains the country’s No. 1 sports pitchman and earns an estimated $47 million annually for his endorsement deals. He earns $16 million annually for sponsoring Nike’s products; $5 million for Sara Lee; $4 million for World Corn and $3 million for pushing Gatorade and another $3 million for Upper Deck trading card company, according to news reports.

-Michael Jordan’s Cologne, remains one of the top-selling fragrances in the nation.

-He has had a $10 billion impact on the U.S. economy.

-In addition to boosting sales of the products he endorses, Jordan has had an influence on rising television ratings, gate receipts for all of the NBA teams and sales of NBA goods, not to mention his own lineup of sports videos and games.

-Forbes estimated the Jordan personal product line has been worth $5.2 billion to Nike, Inc.

-His worth to other companies he endorses was estimated at $408 million.

-He also is credited with $3.1 billion in increased sales of NBA-licensed caps, shirts, jerseys and related objects.

-His Chicago-based restaurant which bears his name, remains one of the top tourist attractions in the city. You cannot visit Chicago without stopping by the popular restaurant. Fans from all over the world come to Chicago to dine at the restaurant, shop in the gift store or simply watch a Bulls playing on the big screens in the sports bar. And maybe, just maybe if they are lucky, they will get a glimpse of Jordan himself at the eatery.

-His book, For The Love Of The Game: My Story, was an instant best seller and sales will continue to soar now that he has retired.

-He said, "I’ve tried to be the best basketball player that I could be ....”" I thought about saying just two words, `I’m gone but I would say, I owe all of these to my fans and the media. That’s the reason why I’m here."

There are various types of games in the world. Many people have engaged themselves to participate in the game competition for just one reason: to WIN the game. Because after winning, the blessings follow.

Many persons have become famous because they achieved their goals, the most have failed and others had been miserable.

The Truth is there are many tremendous blessings available to those who will win the game!

Now, why I said to you that life is like a Game? There are four reasons!

I. LIFE is like a GAME full of WITNESSES

“We have so great cloud of witnesses surrounding us”

-At the end of His career, Jordan said, "I owe all of these to my fans and the media. That’s the reason why I’m here."

-Witnesses are very important in every competition. They are the ingredients of the game. The game competitions become full of challenges and excitements because of them!

In every competition, there are two kinds of witnesses:

A. There are witnesses that “build up”