“Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 Every one of us can recite the names of coaches that have had an impact on our lives. These men and women believed in us and instilled the confidence in us to attempt things we didn’t think we were capable of. If you were creating a Mt.

“Stephen, brimming with God’s grace and energy, was doing wonderful things among the people, unmistakable signs that God was among them.” – Acts 6:8 Charles Blondin was a great French acrobat who became a legend by crossing the entire width of Niagara Falls on a tightrope. He did it pushing a wheelbarrow, another time blindfolded and yet another walking backwards. Blondin’s greatest achievement however, was crossing the falls with another man on his back.

But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 “Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.” – Proverbs 4:25 Regardless of the level you coach, teaching athletes to minimize distractions is important. Anyone that has ever coached youth sports knows what I’m talking about. I remember a baseball game in which two of my 8-year old players got into a fight in the dugout arguing over who was going to put on the extra set of catcher’s gear.

“For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 In the world of sport, each new season brings excitement and hope.

“Your reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” – Psalm 16:11 Can you remember the most joyful celebration you have ever witnessed? Maybe it was celebrating a State Championship or an unexpected win over a superior opponent. It could have been witnessing one of your athletes accomplish a feat that they, and maybe you too, thought was impossible.

“….love the Lord your God, walk in all His ways, keep His commands, remain faithful to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.” – Joshua 22:5 How many times do we see athletes who have all the physical tools fail to live up to their potential? Why do athletes with everything going for them so often miss the mark, while those with limited ability bring home the prize? What’s the missing ingredient?

“There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk leads only to poverty.” – Proverbs 14:23 What does it take to be great? Is there one secret that allowed Ted Williams to become baseball’s greatest hitter? What was it that allowed Hank Aaron to be the most consistent home run hitter of his era?

“….let us strip off every weight that slows us down…. and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith." – Hebrews 12:1-2 The forecast for Friday night’s game is RAIN!

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” – 1 Peter 5:6   Everyone has a certain amount of ego, but we must be able to keep it under control. Ego is feeling confident and important, knowing we can do the job. But, if we start feeling that we’re too important, or that we can do the job without real effort and hard work, that’s arrogance.

“Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize —but who are you?” Acts 19:15 Who are you? Think about that question a moment. Do you really know who you are?

(Dedicated to my sister Elizabeth and the legacy she leaves behind. Her love of Jesus Christ impacted everyone she met.) “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 Kay Yow, legendary women’s basketball coach at North Carolina State, left a legacy! When we add up the victories and accomplishments of her coaching career, it is indeed impressive.