Coaches often use signals in competition to tell players which play to run, which pitch to throw, where to attack or defend, and more. It’s the best way to remind a team what they need to do without letting the other team find out.

Not many know that a familiar Christmas carol was really a song of hidden messages. In the early 16th century, British Catholics were forbidden by law to practice their faith. Anyone caught speaking or writing of his or her faith was arrested or executed. In a time of persecution, similar to the Christians in Rome, Catholics in England went underground. They met and studied secretly and had signs to share their faith.

Michael has the potential to be a good player, but he gets so frustrated with his game. He doesn’t understand why his coach always wants him to change his shot and other parts of his game. Finally, he had a talk with his coach. Suddenly things became clear to him, and his improvement took off. His coach simply told Michael what he needed to do in order to get better and how those changes would help him in years to come.

In 1 Samuel 17, we are told of Israel’s encounter with Goliath, the great warrior of the Philistines. He challenged the Israelites to a single combat to decide the battle. The Israelites ran in fear from this warrior who stood over 9 feet tall and was strong as an ox. Shaquille O’Neal, who stands over 7 feet tall, would have been about 18 inches shorter than Goliath. But that gives us an illustration of the massive size of this man. Little David, though, is undeterred and proclaims that his God will deliver the Philistine giant into his hands.

Where did David get such confidence?

Hockey Chat:  In 1896, the Ontario Hockey Association stated the role of the goaltender in the rules: "The goalkeeper must not during play lie, sit, or kneel upon the ice” These rules held until goalies were given permission to drop to the ice with the start of the NHL in 1917.  The new rules gave them freedom from being penalized for dropping down and allowed them to better protect their goal.

Hockey Chat:  Frank Boucher of the New York Rangers in the 1930’s won the Lady Bing Trophy for most sportsmanlike conduct 7 times.  Lady Bing herself actually gave him the trophy to keep permanently because he had won it so often.  You would think with that kind of clout he could get away with stuff on the ice saying, “But I am considered a good guy by my awards so I can’t be in penalty trouble for something I did.”  That didn’t work to well. He still tallied up 20 penalty minutes in just 44 games in one season after winning the award and that being the only year he was denied it within 8 years.

I was driving in a hurry to get to a tournament. Although I was going the speed limit, the truck in front of me was not. It was blocking my way, slowing me down, and making me late. I remember similar feelings in athletics. We don’t like it when someone is blocking our path to the end zone, the basket, the goal, or victory. Similarly, I believe there are times when the enemy of our souls, Satan, tries to block our way and cause disruptions and problems in life.

Do you ever get irritated by your players, fellow coaches, or referee? Sometimes, instead of allowing God to fight our battles, we react with improper thoughts. Instead of resisting the powers we struggle against, we wage our own war. Occasionally, in a moment of frustration, have you even declared the fatal words, “I just can’t continue”?

Well, rejoice, because God has provided us with the power and authority to serve an eviction notice to the enemy of our souls! God’s Word reminds us not to become timid or afraid when trials occur. Jesus requires us to stand our ground, take up our weapons of warfare, and fight by faith.

Hockey Chat:  A few years back, the Chicago Blackhawks started a post game tradition at home.  When they won they would gather at center ice, raise their sticks, and wave to the fans as a salute to those who supported them.  It was their way of giving acknowledgement and thanks back to the those who cheered them on throughout the game.

As a Christian, I understand the meaning of Philippians 1:21, but the events of 1999 gave me a new perspective on the verse. God had blessed me with wonderful, caring parents despite the fact that my father did not walk in the light. My mother, on the other hand, had my two siblings and myself in church every time the doors were open. Many nights I would awaken to her praying and weeping for my father’s salvation. My father was a provider who loved his family more than anything and worked long, hard hours at a factory to demonstrate that love. He gave us material things, but all I wanted was for him to be happy and walk in God’s victorious peace.

Hockey Chat:  There are the guys on the team that wear the “C” on their sweater representing that they are the Captain.  They’ve given their best at putting forth the qualities of a leader.  The management of the team sees those actions and gives this prestigious reward to the top man who has earned it.  It’s an honor given to them because of what they gave to the team.

How bad does it hurt to be rejected? We’ve all been there. We’ve all been rejected by teammates, family members, boyfriends/girlfriends, co-workers and bosses. And when it happens, it hurts!

I was reading in John 10 this morning, coming fresh off a rejection myself, and it struck me just how important it is for us to understand Jesus’ role as our shepherd during these times. In John 10:12, Jesus talks about a hired hand who doesn’t stick by the sheep through tough times. He abandons them because they aren’t his own, and he’s not committed to them. Why would he stick around to get eaten by a wolf himself when he’s not the true owner of the sheep? So, he flees the scene, leaving the sheep abandoned and vulnerable.