Raising Up Leaders

  “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” – Exodus 18:21 The selection of team captains will have a...

Prepared in the Wilderness

“Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,what is good and acceptable and perfect.”– Romans 12:2 There is a strange paradox that comes from a wilderness experience. We...

Swallowing Your Whistle

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” – Isaiah 1:17 (ESV) It had been a back-and-forth game and the officials were calling it tight. The whistles had blown repeatedly leading to constant trips...
Sharpen the Ax

Sharpen the Ax

“Be ready and keep ready…..” – Ezekiel 38:7 (ESV) Details, little things, how often we skip over them to get on with the job at hand. Abraham Lincoln, our nation’s 16th President, is known for his wisdom and wit. He is quoted as having said, “If you have been given...

God Gave Me Work to Do

God Gave Me Work to Do

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive an inheritance as your reward.” – Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) It’s been seven years since Alzheimer’s took the life of Coach Pat Summitt. Who can forget the...

Criticism

Criticism

“By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.” – Proverbs 11:11 (ESV) If you have been coaching very long, you have probably developed a thick skin. It’s not easy being in the line of fire for criticism that can...

Words That Last

Words That Last

“For all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever. – 1 Peter 1:24-25 (ESV) For every athlete, the passing of time forces an inevitable reality check. The...

Fueled by Faith

Fueled by Faith

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” – 1 Peter 5:3 (ESV) With...

A Time for Everything

A Time for Everything

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV) I loved playing sports as a kid. My journey began with Little League baseball and continued with the opportunity to play football and baseball in high school. The...

A Crisis of Disrespect

A Crisis of Disrespect

“ Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” – Romans 13:1 (ESV) If you have been around sports very long, odds are you have had a difference of opinion...

Friendship

Friendship

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17 (ESV) Friendships built through sports can last a lifetime. Athletes spend hours of practice time and game time with their teammates. They compete for playing time, they sweat...

Being in the Present

Being in the Present

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24 (ESV) 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...

Thanks Mom

Thanks Mom

“I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.” – Proverbs 4:11 (ESV) Mother’s Day is special! Though my mother is no longer physically alive, she is very much alive in my heart. She had a tremendous influence on my life and I am...

Counting the Cost

Counting the Cost

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” - Luke 14:28 (ESV) Everything costs something! How many times have we heard our athletes say something like, “Coach, I wish I had taken...

Goals

Goals

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14 (ESV) As coaches, we go into every season with goals. There’s always a prize we’re chasing. It could be a state championship or maybe just to win more games...