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 great...

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 equipment. I...

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...
No Regrets

No Regrets

“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:12 (ESV)   As Jason stood in my office, I was caught off guard by his body language. Usually a high energy guy, he was listless. Never at a loss for words, Jason was quiet. The look on...

Lighten Up!

Lighten Up!

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22 (ESV) The situation wasn’t good. My 10-year-old pitcher was struggling to find the plate. He had walked the bases loaded and the look on his face indicated that his...

Teamwork

Teamwork

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14 When we work together, common people can achieve uncommon results. There is a story about a man who was lost...

The Greatest Comeback

The Greatest Comeback

“Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead.” – Luke 24:5-6 What sports fan doesn’t enjoy a great comeback? A ninth inning grand slam disappearing into a sea of screaming fans to bring your team back from...

Disappointment

Disappointment

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (ESV) Sports are a two-headed monster. In most every competition there is the thrill of victory but, there is also the agony of defeat. Things have not gone the way you expected....

Laziness

Laziness

“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” – Proverbs 13:4 (ESV) Two talented quarterbacks, each very capable of leading our team. Deciding which one would start in our season opener was an easy decision...

Peace In The Storm

Peace In The Storm

“May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11 (ESV) In the arena of sports, pressure is our constant companion. The coach’s heart pounds as he sends in the play that will decide the outcome of the game. The...

Being in the Present

Being in the Present

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24 Somewhere today, champions are being built. While some wish to be great, others are putting in the hard work. Summer for most means no class, vacation, part-time jobs or just...

Taking God for Granted

Taking God for Granted

“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....

Overlooked

Overlooked

“I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts.” – Psalm 119:141 (ESV) “I’m nothing but a glorified tackling dummy!” Those were my thoughts as I got bulldozed by Joey during our pregame warm-ups. Joey was a high school senior, standing nearly six feet...

Herding Sheep

Herding Sheep

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11 (ESV) What are the duties of a shepherd? First, they take care of sheep. Shepherds usually work independently and are on call for their animals around the clock. The safety...

What Do You See?

What Do You See?

“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.” – Luke 17:15-16 Regardless of the team, it is easy to pick out the stars. They are...