"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...

 "For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life?" - Mark 8:36-37 Values are essential to effective leadership. Here's a simple definition: "Values are norms or principles which guide...

"I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. - John 10:9-10 One of the driving questions of...

 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do." - Ephesians:2:10 The world of sports is filled with discussions of success and failure. The most notable form is the scoreboard; it is objective,...

 "Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him." - Genesis 6:22 (ESV) I have been a baseball fan since I was eight years old. The game has everything a kid would love—running, sliding, catching, and throwing. The game is magical to me, and I am amazed that...

  "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." - Proverbs 31:26 (ESV) Hi Mom! I'm thinking about you today, but the truth is, I think about you every day. I know every little boy didn't have a mom like you, but I sure wish they...

 "But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?'" - Exodus 3:11 (ESV) Sports and life are filled with opportunity. The most amazing thing about opportunity is that you often do not see it coming. A...

"So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God." - Hosea 12:6 (ESV) "Why are we playing so lousy?" That's the question I muttered to myself as I stood on the sidelines watching my team's performance....

 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and greatness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of Spirit in the bond of peace."...

 "The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him." - Proverbs 23:24 (ESV) I am the father of two fine sons. When the youngest left home for college, my wife and I entered a new phase in our lives. The "empty nest" is...

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So, I do not run aimlessly; I...

"They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army. For from the day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God." -1 Chronicles 12:21-22 (ESV) Leadership expert...