“….because I know this will lead to my deliverance through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:19 (Holman Christian Standard) At times everyone gets physically tired and mentally exhausted. It’s interesting however, that not all people react to this condition in the same way. Some stop and withdraw from everything while others hit another gear and keep moving forward.

Do not neglect the gift that is in you…practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. – 1 Timothy 4:14-15 Can you remember why you decided to become a coach? Many of us grew up playing the games and developed a passion for sports.

For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body —so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 (Holman Christian Standard) While talking with a group of coaches recently, someone made the statement that players today are better than ever, but teams are not. Though I didn’t want to admit it, I knew it was true.

“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?

“I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.” – Psalm 32:8 The most important profession in the world is parenting, the second is teaching. As coaches, that statement should stop us in our tracks every time we see it. To me, coaching is teaching.

“I will praise God’s name with song and praise Him with thanksgiving.” – Psalm 69:30 (Holman Christian Standard) Dear God, thank you for the opportunities and challenges you have blessed me with. Help me to love my family, my friends, teammates and opponents as You love me. Help me to sacrifice my personal welfare for others as You did for me, and help me to utilize my gifts to glorify Your name.

For I know the plans I have for you—this is the Lord’s declaration—plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 (Holman Christian Standard) Nick Saban has been called “The Most Underpaid, Highest-Paid Coach in the Country”. Over an 18-year career at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU and Alabama, Saban has compiled a record of 169-55-1.

will rejoice and be glad in Your faithful love because You have seen my affliction. You have known the troubles of my life. – Psalm 31:7 (Holman Christian Standard) “Why is this happening?” As coaches, we have asked ourselves this question many times.

The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out. – Proverbs 10:9 (Holman Christian Standard) My favorite coach of all-time has to be John Wooden. His impact on the game of basketball and those who played it is legendary.

But we are not those who back down and are destroyed, but those who have faith and obtain life. – Hebrews 10:39 (Holman Christian Standard) There is something special about athletes and teams who refuse to quit. What is it that motivates them and drives them to keep going despite the odds?

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. Philippians 4:12 (Holman Christian Standard) The line between being a champion or a chump is very thin.

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.