Devotional
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October 05, 2006
Set:
Have you ever been overlooked by a coach or lost your job because of your faith? What about being rejected by your family? Sometimes being a Christian will get you labeled as "soft" by others. This is especially true in the pro sports world. An NBA coach once said that two things have ruined pro basketball and the players who play it: golf and religion. While others may not outwardly say it, many people feel the same way about Christians who strive to live their faith in the workplace. Whatever it is you do, if you are a Christian, be prepared to suffer in some way.
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October 03, 2006
Set:
The game of golf is one that requires patience, talent and time. Most golf teachers will teach a simplified approach to the game by getting the player into a pre-shot routine. Fundamental things such as proper grip, balanced stance and tempo are the building blocks for consistency. While it may not guarantee a frustration-free round, following the routine will produce more consistent play.
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October 02, 2006
Set:
After 12 straight losing seasons, Detroit Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski hired Jim Leyland to manage the team in 2006. Even thought the Tigers limped through the last week of the season, losing their last five games and getting swept by the Kansas City Royals, not only did they still have a winning season, but they also secured a spot in the playoffs -- something that had not happened since 1987. While Leyland was quick to deflect the credit toward the players, Dombrowski said of him, "He's just a great manager. He's just what we needed."
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September 28, 2006
Set:
After a meeting, my co-worker and I stopped at one of our favorite wings places to enjoy one of God's greatest snacks. As we munched on our wings we watched the press conference about Terrell Owens and his recent pain-killer overdose, or whatever it was. Whether or not it was a suicide attempt is unclear -- T.O. denies it -- but the situation still brought up a great discussion.
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September 26, 2006
Set:
Just when you think things can't get any worse, the tires fall off. That's what the United States learned at the Ryder Cup two years ago. After trailing by a daunting six points heading into the final day of the 2004 tournament, the wheels came off of the team's rally wagon as they suffered the worst defeat in Ryder Cup history to the Europeans, 18 1/2 to 9 1/2. Frustrated U.S. captain Hal Sutton said, "We're bleeding but we're not dead. We'll get back up, and we'll fight again."
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September 22, 2006
Set:
Great teams are made of players who make contributions on more than just game days. You may not be a starter, but with the right perspective, you can make an impact on your team's performance.
In this passage, the older brother displayed the wrong perspective. He viewed himself as a servant rather than as a son. He got his self-worth from what he did rather than from who he was. Do you know that as a Christian God views all of us as sons and daughters? He loves us regardless of our role on the team, how small our bank account might be or what our title is at work. In fact, He sent His only Son to die for us even though He knew we would deny Him (Romans 5:8).
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September 21, 2006
Set:
The 2005-06 Miami Dolphins were a team in transition. First-year head coach Nick Saban had never had a losing season as a head coach on the collegiate level, and he was determined to be a winner on the professional level. However, it appeared that Coach Saban was set to experience his first losing season as the Dolphins were shut out by the Cleveland Browns in week 10, which left them with a 3-7 record.
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September 20, 2006
Set:
Detroit Lions wide receiver, Roy Williams wasn't the first person to "guarantee" a victory, nor will he be the last, when he assured that his Lions would emerge victorious against the Chicago Bears in week two of the 2006 season. Unfortunately for Williams, his comments ignited an already high-powered Bears defense to lead the way to a 34-7 thrashing of the Lions.
Peter was also known for being a little hasty with his words. When Jesus told the disciples that they would all turn their backs on Him Peter replied boastfully, "Even if all fall away, I will not" (Mark 14:29). The fact is that Peter not only disowned Jesus once, but three times that very night.
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September 19, 2006
Set:
If you knew when your last practice, last game, last hoorah would be, how would it affect your situation? Many athletes have had to face this early in their blossoming careers. Men such as Bo Jackson, Darryl Stingley and many others. Would you do things differently as an athlete or coach? Brian is one such athlete who may have seen his last play. A standout safety, who walked on, earned a scholarship and now is a fifth-year senior. Last year he missed the entire season (except for the bowl game) because of ACL surgery, and he was counting on this year to be his best. On the Monday before they opened their season, Brian hurt his ankle. At first it looked like a sprain, but over time it has become much worse. Brian's football career may be over.
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September 15, 2006
Set:
The writer of the book of Hebrews makes use of athletic imagery as he encourages his Christian allies in their relationships with the Lord Jesus Christ. He begins by reminding them of those who have gone before them ("witnesses") and have successfully completed their race, and then he offers sound advice on how to win.
