The Anointed

"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 instilled...

Values

 "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 our...

Identity

"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...
Leadership

Leadership

“Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you.As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.– Hebrews 13:7  “What does a leader look like?” That was the question I asked the team as we began our morning practice session? The...

The Narrow Gate

The Narrow Gate

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction,and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”– Matthew 7:13-14Football is a demanding...

What Do You See?

What Do You See?

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back,praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feetand thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.”– Luke 17:15-16Regardless of the team, it’s easy to pick out the stars. They’re often taller and more...

Herding Sheep

Herding Sheep

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

Overlooked

Overlooked

“I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments.” – Psalm 119:141 “I’m nothing but a glorified tackling dummy!” Those were my thoughts as I got bulldozed by Joey during our pre-game warmups. Joey was a high school senior, standing nearly six...

Taking God for Granted

Taking God for Granted

 “So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him.” – Hosea 12:6 “Why are they playing so lousy?” That’s the question I muttered to myself as I sat in the stands watching my favorite team’s performance. Dropped passes, silly...

Can I get a witness

Can I get a witness

“Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.” – Psalm 66:16 Who is the greatest athlete of all time? Who is the greatest coach of all time? What is the greatest team of all time? These are questions that are impossible to answer. How...

In the Present

In the Present

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

Peace in the Storm

Peace in the Storm

“The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11 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 athlete has no place...

Hype

Hype

“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22 In the world of sport, thinking too highly of yourself is a dangerous road to travel. It’s an easy trap for athletes, coaches, and teams to fall into. The media and fans often go over...

Laziness

Laziness

“The slacker craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent is fully satisfied.”– Proverbs 13:4 Two talented quarterbacks, each very capable of leading our team. Deciding which one would start in our season opener was an easy decision for me to make. Jake was...