“Where there is no vision, the people perish….” – Proverbs 29:18 (King James Version)   Great leaders have always been admired. We find them in every walk of life. Books fill the shelves of those who aspire to become great leaders and seminars are overflowing with men and women who are eager to learn leadership skills.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us….” – Ephesians 5:1-2a (Holman Christian Standard)   What baseball players did you try to imitate as a kid? Growing up a huge New York Yankee fan, two of my favorite players were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford.

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. – 1 Peter 1:3   “In the 4th round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select offensive lineman, Dakota Dozier.” That one sentence fulfilled an unlikely dream for a young man and many others who have become accustomed to watching him accomplish the unexpected.

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, of you say you have faith, but don’t show it by your actions? – James 2:14 (New Living Translation)   “Talk is cheap.” “Actions speak louder than words.” “He talks the talk, but doesn’t walk the walk.” How many times have we heard these phrases or experienced them coming from our own mouth? In today’s society, we often say one thing but do another.

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. – 1 Peter 2:2   I was waiting, but 11-year olds don’t do that very well.

“So many enemies against one man—all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. They plan to topple me from my high position.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7 (New Living Translation)   Too often in our lives we’re tempted to hold back? I remember a time when my oldest son wanted to play organized football for the first time.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:10-11 (New Living Translation)   Years ago I heard a newly appointed pastor announce to his congregation that he had a plan to make everybody happy.

“If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.” – Matthew 5:41 (New Living Translation)   As we move into the Final Four of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, it’s interesting to me that the games are often decided by executing the fundamentals. Making clutch free throws, getting the ball inbounds against a pressing defense or boxing out for a rebound can mean the difference between winning and losing. Teams that are fundamentally sound move on and teams that are...

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. – Proverbs 21:5 (New Living Translation)   In athletics, we are always talking about luck. How many of us have heard or said something like this following a hard fought game?

But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” – Acts 19:15 (New Living Translation)   Who are you? Think about that question for a moment. Do you really know who you are?

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.