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.

“They attack as warriors; they scale walls as men of war. Each man proceeds on his own path, and they do not change their course.” – Joel 2:7 When I think of warriors, usually images of Mel Gibson in Braveheart or Russell Crowe in Gladiator come to mind. In these characters we see courage, conviction and a sense of purpose that is larger than life.

He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place!  This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” – Genesis 28:17 Have you ever wondered what heaven is like?  To a golfer, the closest thing to heaven must be the crown jewel of all golf courses—Augusta National.  Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts created a golf environment unlike any other in the world.  There is something about Augusta National that moves people in profound ways.  Its breathtakin...

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” – Colossians 4:6 Have you ever been guilty of shooting off your mouth before you put your brain in gear? In a recent college baseball game, I watched the head coach get tossed for arguing balls and strikes with the home plate umpire. Not only was he thrown out of the game, he was forced to leave the dugout and the stadium in full view of those in attendance.

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:13-14 (Holman Christian Standard)   There is something magical about the beginning of a new season of Major League baseball.

“He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.” – Proverbs 15:32 An officer in the navy had dreamed from childhood of commanding a great battleship one day. He finally achieved his dream and was given commission of the newest and proudest ship in the fleet. One stormy night, the captain was on duty on the bridge when he spotted a strange light rapidly closing with his own vessel.