“My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” – Philippians 3:10 To compete in the world of athletics takes motivation and drive. As coaches, we invest countless hours training our athletes to perform at the highest level possible. What is our payoff?

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:23-25 (New Living Standard) Count me in when it comes to good sports movies.

“Without guidance, people fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” – Proverbs 11:14 (Holman Christian Standard)   I didn’t notice it when I took the picture, but now it’s the first thing I see.  At a recent FCA Team Football Camp, these two teams had just completed an intense and competitive 7 on 7 session. It was hot and humid, but tradition calls for teams to gather and pray together before moving on to the next game. Two teams, different in many ways, but with one commo...

“Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life.” – Proverbs 11:5 (The Message) Do athletics build character? Many of us might laugh and say, “It must, because I sure have a lot of characters on my team!” But let’s get serious for a minute. As a coach, is building character an important part of your program?

"They were trying to intimidate us into quitting. They thought, “They’ll give up, they’ll never finish it.” I prayed, “Give me strength.” – Nehemiah 6:9 (The Message) As practice was about to begin, two coaches watched as players came out of the locker room and onto the field. One athlete caught their attention.

"Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23 (Holman Christian Standard) I am amazed at how sports have become ingrained in our everyday lives. We are never more than a few seconds away from the hot topics of the day. ESPN, team websites, blogs, and around-the-clock sports talk keep us connected to the never ending stream of information on teams, players and coaches.

  Mike Singletary had it all. He was living the dream as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL. He was making a lot of money.

  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23 It doesn’t matter what level of greatness an athlete or coach achieves, there is no such thing as perfection. It’s impossible to win every championship. It’s impossible to break every record.

“And whatever you do, in word, or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 1 Corinthians 3:17 “All In”. That simple two-word phrase is the battle cry of all athletes that are willing to go do whatever it takes to achieve greatness. Athletes that go “All In” are fully committed to a singular goal.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

"There is profit in all hard work….” – Proverbs 14:23a   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?