“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.

David had just said, “I guarded everything that belonged to this man (Nabal) in the wilderness for nothing. He was not missing anything, yet he paid me back evil for good. May God punish me, and even more if I let any of his men survive until morning.” – 1 Samuel 25:21-22 What causes you to be angry?

  As coaches, we know that physical growth demands physical exercise. We must also understand that spiritual growth as a follower of Christ requires spiritual exercise. Here are four daily exercises to help us build spiritual muscle.

“When Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward Him, He asked Philip, ‘Where will we buy bread so these people can eat?’ He asked this to test him, for He Himself knew what He was going to do.” – John 6:5-6 Being tested is a by-product of participating in sports. If we coach, we will be tested. Our opponent may look unbeatable on tape, a rash of injuries may not allow us to field our best team, or we could be questioning our own ability to lead.

“When a king’s face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.” – Proverbs 16:15 Legendary coach Vince Lombardi once said, “the strength of the group is the strength of the leader.” By the very nature of being called “Coach”, we find ourselves in a position of leadership. Leaders must be able to make tough decisions and be prepared to sacrifice popularity for results. Doing the right thing is not always the easy thing.

“There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18 Words are powerful, they have the power to build up or tear down. As coaches, the words we use to communicate with others say a great deal about our own character. Steve Alford played basketball under the legendary Bobby Knight at Indiana University.

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed, by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2 Dick Fosbury turned the track and field world on its ear during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. For the first time, millions of viewers watched in amazement as the high jump technique known as the “Fosbury Flop” was unveiled. Using his back-first method, Fosbury won the gold medal in dramatic fashion with a jump of 7 fee…

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” – Proverbs 23:7 Every action, whether bad or good, begins as a simple thought. Coaches are busy! Most of us are so busy that we don’t take the time to stop and really think through our actions.