“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...

“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.” – Proverbs 12:1 Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden once said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that separates the great coaches from the average ones.” I have...

“Listen to my instruction  and be wise; don’t ignore it.” – Proverbs 9:33 “Are you even listening to me?” That has to be one of the most frequently asked questions by coaches of their athletes. Coaches make a living giving instructions and critiquing an athlete’s...

“So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”’ – Acts 9:17...

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 Can you remember the feeling of pure joy? It may have been years ago, yet the memories are still strong. A mud...

“Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise.” – Proverbs 6:6 There are times when I feel the concept of hard work is a lost art. I jokingly tell people that I could always find a job simply because I’m willing to show up every day. As coaches, we...

“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 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 tall,...

The training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way. – 1 Timothy 3:8 I never want to take my physical health for granted. Genetics and diet play a major role in our overall health, but I know I have to work at it too. A trip to...

Everyone should look out not (only) for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 2:4-5 It had been a long year, but it was finally over. My attitude was poor and I was tired. What I wanted...

I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 With a glance in the rear view mirror, I could see the fear in their eyes! Maybe it was the armed guards at the gate, or it could have been the barbed wire fence that stretched as...

The inexperienced believe anything, but the sensible watch their steps. – Proverbs 14:15 Small things can determine the outcome of a game. Years ago, I served as one of the coaches on my son’s 10-year old youth baseball team. It’s a common rule on this level for...