Devote yourselves to prayer, stay alert in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2 (Holman Christian Standard) Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and will be remembered as one of the greatest taglines in advertising history. The slogan cut across every demographic line and attracted attention in ways that company leaders never imagined.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalms118:24 (Holman Christian Standard) The game of football has changed over the years. The smash-mouth, grind it out style has been replaced by gimmicky, hurry-up offenses designed to run as many plays as possible against the opponent. It’s not unusual for today’s high-powered offenses to run 90 to 100 plays in a regulation game.
They were trying to intimidate us into quitting. They thought, “They’ll give up, they’ll never finish it.” I prayed, “Give me strength.”– Nehemiah 6:9 (The Message) As practice was about to begin, two coaches watched as players came out of the locker room and onto the field. One athlete caught their attention.
“Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your brothers to carry out the word of the Lord through Moses.” – 2 Chronicles 35:6 (Holman Christian Standard) “Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation”. As I watched a group of high school athletes sweating through a demanding summer workout, this quote came to life. A quick glance around the weight room produced no cheering fans, no marching bands and no scoreboard.
“But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and obtain life.” – Hebrews 10:39 (Holman Christian Standard) He just wouldn’t quit! I’m sure our opponent that night didn’t spend much time preparing for my miniature nose guard. He stood 5’7” and the roster listed him at 160 pounds though that was more than a little generous.