The Appointed
"I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord." - Jeremiah 23:4 (ESV) Some of the most influential people in my life have been coaches. It was a coach who...
Hope in Wealth
"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything we enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,...
Ladders and Crowns
"For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation." - Psalm 149:4 (ESV) Another college football season is coming to a close. Teams have made their way through the regular season schedule. Over the next few weeks television will be...
Hope in the Wrong Places
"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,...
Teachability
"Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored." - Proverbs 13:18 (ESV) To be a great coach, a great athlete, or a great leader, you must have a "teachable spirit". We have all seen that gifted and talented person...
Contentment
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." - Philippians 4:11 (ESV) You may think the grass is greener on the other side, but if you take the time to water your own grass, it could be just as green. It's...
Coach’s Mandate
Pray as though nothing of eternal value is going to happen in my athletes’ lives unless God does it. Prepare each practice and game, giving my utmost for His highest. Seek not to be served by my athletes for personal gain, but serve them as Christ served the church.
Under Control
"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." - Proverbs 25:28 (ESV) As a high school student, I kept the shot chart for the varsity basketball coach. This required me to sit next to him on the bench during each game. He did a...
Walking Straight
"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth...." - Psalm 86:11 (ESV) If I had a dollar for every line I've painted on an athletic field, I'd be a wealthy man! Preparing a field for competition is an art and it also requires having the right...
What Did You Say?
"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" - Psalm 141:3 (ESV) C.J. Stroud was taken as the second-round pick of the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft. He went on to be chosen as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year finishing the...
The Power of Fellowship
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) Sports can be an excellent...