Youth Devotional - Rudy

Tomjanovich
Letting Anger and bitterness go
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Rudy Tomjanovich, the former basketball coach of the

Houston Rockets and more recently the Los Angeles
Lakers experienced an unusual event in 1973. As a
robust twenty-five-year old, Rudy was playing for the
Rockets.

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In the middle of a close game, a fight broke out at

center court. Rudy rushed over to the unfolding
conflict, running at full speed, to try to break it up.
Just as he arrived, a player whipped around and
without looking, swung as hard as he could.

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Unfortunately, the punch landed right in Rudys

face. It was labeled the punch heard around the
world. The blow fractured Rudys skull, broke his
nose and cheekbones, and nearly killed him.
Although Rudy was sidelined for months following
the devastating punch, he eventually recovered.

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One day after Rudy recuperated, a reporter asked

him, Rudy, have you ever forgiven the player
who wounded you so badly? Without hesitation,
Rudy said immediately, Absolutely, Ive totally
forgiven him.

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The reporter shook as his head as though he was

perplexed. Come on, Rudy, that guy nearly killed
you. He caused you all that pain. He stole part of
your career. Do you mean to tell me you dont
have any anger, any hatred or bitterness toward
him?

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Rudy smiled, I dont have any at all. The

reporter stared at him in disbelief. He finally
asked, Rudy, tell me, how do you do it? How
could you possibly forgive that man who hurt
you so badly?

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Rudy replied, I knew if I wanted to move on

with my life, I had to let it go. I didnt do it for
him. I did it so I can be free.
We often fail to consider the residual effects of
unresolved conflict in our lives.

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Ephesians 4:31, Get rid of all

bitterness, rage and anger,
brawling and slander, along with
every form of malice.

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Creative Youth Ideas

Go for the Gold
Need an evangelistic Youth Camp/ Bible
Study Series with an Olympic Theme?
What is salvation all about? What does it
mean to be saved? This sports themed
Bible Study / Camp Curriculum uses the
Olympic Flag to introduce the concepts of
sin (black circle), forgiveness (red circle),
purity (white background), spiritual growth
(green circle), heaven (Yellow Circle) and
(Baptism) blue circle.

-> Tell me about Go for the Gold

www.creativeyouthideas.com/goforthegold.html

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Creative Youth Ideas

Destined to Win
Need a Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series
on Running the Christian Race?
The race as a metaphor for the Christian
life is used in several places in the Bible.
This series is a great follow up for new
Christians or to re-emphasize the basics of
our spiritual Journey in the Faith. This
Bible Study / Camp Curriculum has a
sports theme and is great for athletes as
well as a tie in to the youth Olympic
Games.
->Tell me about Destined to Win

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