“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.

Then Jesus said, "Sit down and eat" - John 6:10 (Holman Christian Starndard)   How much is enough?  As coaches, we're in a constant search for more.  We never have enough pitching; we need more depth on the defensive line or we would match up better if we had more height.  Most coaches don't have the luxury of hand picking their teams, we must work with what we have.  Even if we recruit our teams, seldom do we get everyone we want.  Unfortunately, we tend to focus o...

"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." - Colossians 3:17 (Holman Christian Standard) Game planning is not the same for every opponent. Somewhere on every coaches' schedule is a team that is not only talented, but also has the reputation for being good over a long period of time. In major league baseball it could be the New York Yankees; in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers or Boston Celtics come to mind; ...

I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you towalk worthy of the calling you have received. - Ephesians 4:1 (Holman Christian Standard) "I have come to a frightening realization. I am the decisive element on the track or on the field.

"A man's steps are established by the Lord...." - Psalm 37:23a (Holman Christian Standard) Coaches spend hours working with their athletes developing proper footwork. We realize that any skill, regardless of how simple or obvious it seems, has to be taught and practiced on a consistent basis. Wise coaches know that teaching proper footwork can be the difference between winning and losing.

"Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12::4 (Holman Christian Standard) How often do we hear an athlete referred to as "gifted"? When that word is used to describe an athlete, we usually think of a "star" player like Drew Brees, Mike Trout, or Kevin Durant. These men represent the "best of the best" in their respective sports of football, baseball and basketball.