“In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them.” – 2 Chronicles 29:3 (ESV) Some coaches have a special talent for rebuilding programs. They are able to come into a new situation, quickly assess...

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt.’” – Exodus 3:11 (ESV)   Sports and life are filled with opportunity. The most amazing thing about opportunity is that you often don’t see it coming. A...

 “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.” – Genesis 6:9 (ESV) One of the most desired qualities an athlete can possess is to be “coachable.” Coaches love athletes who are eager to learn new skills and at the same time are...

“And they came, bringing him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.” – Mark 2:3-4 (ESV)  ...

 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” – Luke 22:42 (ESV) Life has a way of getting our attention! In an instant, the routine can be replaced by the unexpected. The day of my brother’s open-heart...

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV) Injuries are part of the game. Blown out knees, separated shoulders and concussions are commonplace in the world of sports. These injuries can sideline an athlete...

“Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.” – Genesis 6:22 (ESV) I have been a baseball fan since I was eight years old. The game has everything a kid would love—running, sliding, catching, and throwing. Baseball is magical to me, and I am amazed that after...

“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:12 (ESV)   As Jason stood in my office, I was caught off guard by his body language. Usually a high energy guy, he was listless. Never at a loss for words, Jason was quiet. The look on...

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22 (ESV) The situation wasn’t good. My 10-year-old pitcher was struggling to find the plate. He had walked the bases loaded and the look on his face indicated that his...

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14 When we work together, common people can achieve uncommon results. There is a story about a man who was lost...

“Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead.” – Luke 24:5-6 What sports fan doesn’t enjoy a great comeback? A ninth inning grand slam disappearing into a sea of screaming fans to bring your team back from...

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (ESV) Sports are a two-headed monster. In most every competition there is the thrill of victory but, there is also the agony of defeat. Things have not gone the way you expected....