Devote yourselves to prayer, stay alert in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2 (Holman Christian Standard) Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and will be remembered as one of the greatest taglines in advertising history. The slogan cut across every demographic line and attracted attention in ways that company leaders never imagined.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalms118:24 (Holman Christian Standard) The game of football has changed over the years. The smash-mouth, grind it out style has been replaced by gimmicky, hurry-up offenses designed to run as many plays as possible against the opponent. It’s not unusual for today’s high-powered offenses to run 90 to 100 plays in a regulation game.

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.

“Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your brothers to carry out the word of the Lord through Moses.” – 2 Chronicles 35:6 (Holman Christian Standard) “Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation”. As I watched a group of high school athletes sweating through a demanding summer workout, this quote came to life. A quick glance around the weight room produced no cheering fans, no marching bands and no scoreboard.

"But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and obtain life." – Hebrews 10:39 (Holman Christian Standard) He just wouldn’t quit! I’m sure our opponent that night didn’t spend much time preparing for my miniature nose guard. He stood 5’7” and the roster listed him at 160 pounds though that was more than a little generous.

“Excessive speech is not appropriate on a fool’s lips…” – Proverbs 17:7a (Holman Christian Standard) It seemed innocent enough. Two friends, who happened to be coaching opposing baseball teams on a beautiful April afternoon. As we stood on the infield grass, we caught up on one another’s lives.

“Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” - Mark 10:14b (Holman Christian Standard) Practice was not going well. My high school soccer team looked awful!

“Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6 (Holman Christian Standard)   In the world of sport, egos are often on display. Egos give us confidence and fuel feelings that we can get the job done. However, when we start feeling too important, that we are indispensable, or that we can handle things without real effort and hard work, that’s arrogance.

“Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them.” – Matthew 7:12 (Holman Christian Standard) “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell   This is my team. It is composed of people like me—we make it what it is.

But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:25-28 (Holman Christian Standard)   Motivation is def...

"Commit your activities to the Lord and your plans will be achieved." - Proverbs 16:3 (Holman Christian Standard) "Stacking W's!" That’s the phrase Army football coach, Rich Ellerson uses to encourage the West Point cadets that make up his team. Coach Ellerson took over the Black Knights in 2009 and has dedicated himself to reviving the historic program. His enthusiasm is infectious and he’s making an impact.

Jesus said to him, “’You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest of the Laws. The second is like it, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ – Matthew 22:37-39 (NLV) I don't know a single coach or athlete that doesn't want to win. Everyone wants to win, but many don't know where to start and even more aren't willing to do what it takes to get there.