F I N I S H I N G

John 19:30

Who is the best player you’ve ever seen at finishing a play?  Who is best at finishing the season with strength and charging into the playoffs?  Jesus knew some things about finishing well also.

We read about it in John’s Gospel at chapter 19 and verse 30.  It says, “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’  And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

Here’s a list of good finishers:  Joe Montana with the football and less than 2 minutes to play… he could finish.  Michael Jordan taking a shot for the Bulls at he buzzer… he could finish.  Michael Johnson sprinting to the line in the Olympic 400 meters… he could finish.  Jesus was a better finisher than any of these.

He’s about to die on the cross and He loudly exclaims, “It is finished!”  He had accomplished all that He had come to do.  He had finished 100% of His life goals.

Let’s be like Jesus and finish well in today’s competition.  Let’s not let up or give in until the absolute last play of the game is complete.  We will honor both our team and the Lord with such play.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 11:17-37
I John 3:19-24

R E S P E C T

I Peter 2:17

What do players regularly do that is a genuine gesture of respect?  I’ve seen you make complimentary comments after a good play.  Some will point to their teammate after making a good pass.  Maybe it’s a nod or a tip of the cap.  How can we show proper respect for our teammates, coaches, opponents and even the officials?  Why should we even care about that?

Peter understood the value of showing proper honor and respect to people and he wrote about it at chapter 2 and verse 17 of his first letter.  There it says, “Honor all people.  Love the brotherhood.  Fear God.  Honor the king.”

When you hear the word, honor, substitute the phrase, show proper respect.  There are certainly many ways to show proper respect to your teammates during the course of the game.  Peter challenges us to take full advantage of them.

When Peter says that we should honor the king, we think of showing proper respect to those with authority related to our team.  Thus we honor the coaching staff, the game officials and our parents.  Beneath the other statements is the one that fuels all the others.  To fear God is to have a reverential awe and respect for Him.  When we show proper respect for the Creator of the universe, it’s a little easier to honor those with lesser provinces of authority in our worlds.

As you compete today, honor all people.  That will include spectators and the other team’s last reserve players.  Love the brotherhood, your teammates with all your heart.  Fear God, show him the proper respect.  Honor the king, keep yourselves in order and show respect to those who must give an account for your attitudes and actions.

Bible Reading Plan:
Job 10
Ezekiel 31-32

E X E C U T I O N

John 13:17

Which is better: to know your team’s playbook inside and out, or the flawless execution of one of those plays?  I think you know and today we’ll hear Jesus talk about how doing is better than knowing.

We can hear Him when we read John chapter 13 and verse 17, “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.”

This statement comes from Jesus on the heels of His washing the disciples’ feet and telling them that He did it as an example to the.  They certainly thought that was a good idea, but now He says that it’s more important to do it than to just know it as a fact.

It’s the same with your team.  The happiness of great team play comes with the doing of it, not just with knowing the playbook.  You have to score to win.  You have to execute the play to have a chance to score.  Knowing the playbook alone will never result in a score, the game is not played on paper.  You and your teammates have to actually make the play.  Doing it is the key.

In this day’s competition, take your knowledge of the playbook and put it into action.  Make some plays.  Execute each play with discipline and passion.  These make for teamwork, victory and fun.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 9:13-25
I John 2:1-11

T R O P H I E S

I John 2:17

What’s the most enduring part of this game?  Is it the awards won, the championship titles, the trophies or medals?  Probably not.  How about the friendships, the memories and the tests of character that come with competition?  Lots of stuff about the game passes away quickly. 

The Apostle John wrote about the passing nature of the world in his first letter at chapter 2 and verse 17, it says, “And the world is passing away, and the lust with I; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

Even championship rings and trophies tarnish and lose their luster over time.  As John says, the world is passing away.  He also says that the lust, or strong desire for those things, passes away with it.  That’s true also.  Even the desires for those things eventually wane.

Like the person who does the will of God, the more noble and wise parts of the game pay dividends in our lives for decades and even beyond the grave.  The tests of character and the committed friendships that we develop in the course of athletic struggle shape our whole lives.

Give this day’s competition every ounce of your heart.  Commit yourself fully to your teammates and coaching staff, that’s the will of God for you today.  In doing so, you’ll make an enduring mark in your soul and an abiding investment in each teammate.

Bible Reading Plan:
Job 5
Ezekiel 20-21

E X A M P L E S

John 13:13-15

As you learned the basics of your game, how important was it to have an example to watch?  How valuable is it to you to have videotape to watch of well-executed plays?  What is the value of having experienced players on your team to demonstrate the proper techniques and skills for excellent play?  These concepts are not new to athletics nor to life in general.  Jesus speaks about such in today’s letter.

We can hear Him in John chapter 13 and verses 13 through 15, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.  If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you.”

Jesus’ disciples had just experienced His washing their feet, one by one.  More than just talking about service and humility, Jesus lived it out and provided an example for them.

This is also the best way for coaches and team leaders to teach the values that will guide their team.  To lead with one’s actions speaks more loudly than a thousand hours of talk.

In today’s competition, lead with your actions, even more than your speech.  If you want strong play, play strongly.  If you want encouragement from the bench, you be the one to lead it.  If you want an all out performance from your teammates, you give that for them.  They will learn best when they experience the idea. 

Bible Reading Plan:
John 8:1-11
II Peter 2:10-16

A U T H O R I T Y

Hebrews 13:17

Who has more authority on your team, the wet-behind-the-ears freshman walk-on or the Head Coach?  Well that should be obvious…  How about between the new graduate assistant and the fifth year captain of the team?  That’s a little tougher.  Let’s consider this matter by thinking about this scripture.

In Hebrews chapter 13 and verse 17 we read, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for our souls, as those who must give account.  Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

The writer uses two words which are very tough for competitors who are rather independent and strong-willed.  Obey and be submissive. 

Obey – why?  Because our coaches and team leaders are not only responsible for their own actions and attitudes, but for those of the whole team as well.  We owe them obedience because of their incredible investment in us and the great responsibility they carry.

Submissive – why?  Because they have to give an account to people like the administration, to parents, to alumni, to the press and everyone who thinks himself an expert on the game.  They need us to fit in and to keep ourselves in line so that their lives are full of joy rather than grief. 

Let’s work together in today’s competition and bring joy to our team’s leadership.  That will be most profitable for us all.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 13:31-38
Jude 17-25
Job 22
Daniel 10-12

P R O D U C T I V I T Y

John 12:24-25

Which would seem to be more productive: strength and self-sufficiency or sacrifice and interdependence?  That looks easy to the natural eye, but Jesus speaks about supernatural productivity.

In John chapter 12 at verses 24 and 25 we read, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.  He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Jesus knows something that the selfish and self-sufficient don’t have a clue about.  He knows that protecting one’s self leads to isolation and loneliness.  He also knows that self-sacrifice leads to new life and multiplication of effort. 

It’s the same with your team.  If it’s always “my ball, my position, my possession, my minutes,” you will isolate your teammates quickly.  However, if you give yourself away, sacrifice your preferences and serve everyone else, that will result in a rich life and tremendous influence.

Great team leaders and coaches constantly give their lives away through self-sacrifice and service of their teams.  In doing so they reap a great harvest of team unity and a multiplicity of play makers.  Let’s all be such leaders and play makers today.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 13:18-30
Jude 8-16
Job 21:22-34
Daniel 9

T E A M   L E A D E R S H I P

Hebrews 13:7

How strongly do you value your team’s leadership?  Is their behavior, on and off the field of competition, something that you would imitate?  Let’s think together about team leadership.

A great lesson in leadership comes to us in Hebrews chapter 13 and verse 7 where we read, “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.”

The way to think clearly about your leaders’ conduct is to consider the outcome of that conduct.  What is the natural outcome of their lives?  If he or she continues along the same line, how will his or her life turn out?  That may help you determine those whom you should imitate and which live seemingly as a warning to the rest.

If you’re a team leader, give some careful consideration to your own life.  Is your life one that you’d like to have the younger players to imitate?  If you’re one of those younger players, give careful consideration to those with whom you’ll spend your time and whose lifestyles you’d be well served to emulate.

Let’s give our teammates great examples to follow on the field of competition today.  Great plays and courageous effort are contagious.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 13:12-17
Jude 1-7
Job 21:1-21
Daniel 7-8

F R E E D O M

John 11:43

When was the last time you challenged your teammates to do something spectacular?  How would you speak to a teammate who seems to be trapped in something that has boxed him in?  What words would you use to call your teammate or friend to freedom?  We’ll watch Jesus do just that in today’s letter.

In John chapter 11 and verse 43 we read, “Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’”

We might use different words, but Jesus seemed rather effective.  His friend, who had been in the grave for four days, comes walking out.  Jesus called to His friend and Lazarus stepped into a life of freedom.

You can call your teammates out of their graves of despair, injury, illness and defeat.  Many times they’re just like Lazarus, trapped in a hole with no way out on their own.  You may just be the person who can call out that teammate’s name and have him respond in freedom and with renewed vigor.

Call your teammates out with a challenge.  Call to them with compassion and strength.  Our team is lessened when players are displaced, injured or unavailable.  Call them back into active service and help them fill their roles with the team. 

Bible Reading Plan:
John 13:1-11
III John 1-14
Job 20
Daniel 5-6

S T R E N G T H

Hebrews 12:12

How has strength and flexibility training improved your game?  In what ways is your team better with it than you would be without it?  Could the Bible have anything to say about such things?  Let’s see.

In Hebrews chapter 12 and verses 12 and 13, we read, “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”

Certainly each player is better able to compete when he or she is stronger and more able to withstand injury than when weak.  Thus we hear the admonition to strengthen the hands which hang down and the feeble knees.

Metaphorically, if we see our team as a body, we must all work together to strengthen our teammates who are tired and those who are diminished by injury.  We all have a role in strengthening them and in making straight paths for their feet.  That means to help them gain strength and health, rather than to put them in situations which will worsen their conditions.

Let’s work together to strengthen our team.  Let’s work together as a well-coordinated body to compete in a strong, unified way. 

Bible Reading Plan:
John 12:37-50
II John 1-13
Job 19
Daniel 3-4

C R I T I C I S M

John 8:7

How do you handle people who criticize your team or your coaching staff?  Who are your strongest critics and how should we respond to them?  Let’s watch how Jesus deals with His critics.

 In John’s gospel at chapter 8 and verse 7 we read, “So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’”

Jesus is a very smart guy.  The situation was that a woman was caught in the act of adultery (an offense punishable by death) and they tried to trick Jesus into either condemning her to death or excusing her sin.  He showed great wisdom in doing neither.  He simply reflected their judgments back at them and thereby silenced their accusations.

We all get tired of sports writers, radio commentators and critical spectators, making their accusations and second guessing athletes and coaching staffs.  But how can we handle their criticisms well and wisely?  Let’s learn from Jesus’ example.

Those who criticize and complain can be often silenced by simply reflecting their judgments back at them.  There’s no need to make excuses or to join in the criticism.  Rather than that, simply show the same inconsistencies and errors in the accusers and they’ll walk away in frustration. 

As you compete today, give the accusers no chance for criticism by making this the best effort of the season.  Play at the highest level of your capacity and there will be no room for criticism or complaint.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 12:20-36
I John 5:13-21
Job 18
Daniel 1-2

C O R R E C T I O N

Hebrews 12:7

What’s the toughest part of your training as an athlete?  Is it the running, the weight training, the diet, video tape study or maybe injury rehabilitation?  Why do your coaches have you continue to do something that is so difficult?  Do they hate you?  I doubt it and today’s scripture will help us see more clearly.

At chapter 12 and verse 7 the writer of the letter to the Hebrews speaks of such difficult training, “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”

Chastening equals discipline which equals loving training.  When we experience the chastening or discipline of our coaches, our parents or even our God, it’s a sign of love not hate.  Just as the best parents both encourage and admonish their children, the best coaches both praise and correct their players.

I would begin to worry when the coaches stop correcting and challenging you.  It probably means that they’ve given up on you or have lowered their expectations to where you really don’t want them.

If we are wise, we’ll listen closely to the leadership given us by our coaches, our parents, our teammates and our God.  Such leadership is an assuring reminder of the loving relationship we have with them.  Play strongly today and reward them all.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 12:12-19
I John 5:1-12
Job 17
Ezekiel 48

J U D G M E N T

John 7:24

Do you remember your first impression of your coach?  How about the first time you met your teammates?  Now that you know them better, are they what they appeared to be at first glance?  Jesus knew something about this and speaks about it today.

He is quoted by the John at chapter 7 and verse 24 as saying, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

First glances seldom produce a wise assessment of the truth about people.  Your first impressions of your teammates were probably proven to be false by hours of interaction and weeks of competition.  That’s why Jesus says to not judge by appearances.  Appearances only deal with the surface level of people.  Jesus wants us to focus on the heart.

Righteous judgment is better because it can see past the appearances and facades, penetrating to the heart of the matter.  Righteous judgment gets to motivation, to desires, to heart-felt qualities like compassion and love. 

Let’s employ this wisdom in today’s competition.  Let’s not be ruled by what we see on the surface.  Let’s look deeper to the issues of the heart among our teammates and strive to call out the best in each other.  Let’s exercise righteous judgment and watch our team excel.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 12:1-11
I John 4:7-21
Job 16
Ezekiel 45-47

U N D E R S T A N D I N G

Romans 11:33-36

Who do you suppose has the greatest knowledge and the most skill of anyone in your sport?  Could it be the world’s best player?  Maybe it’s the premier coach or possibly someone from the Hall of Fame?  Whoever that is, how would your grasp of the sport compare with his or hers?

Who do you suppose has the greatest understanding about all of life?  How strong is your grasp on life’s big questions relative to His?  The Bible has a very clear expression of God’s immeasurable superiority to mankind.  It’s found at Romans chapter 11 and verses 33 through 36, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!  Who has known the mind of the the Lord?  Or who has been his counselor?  Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?  For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be the glory forever!  Amen.”

The riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge are deeper than we can even imagine.  His judgment and His ways are beyond human understanding.

Much like the novice athlete’s understanding of the sport pales in comparison with the veteran coach’s, our grasp of the real stuff of life seems as nothing when compared to God’s wisdom.

Young players often think the whole game revolves around them, but they soon learn otherwise.  This scripture reminds us that all things in the Universe are from God, they come through God, they go to God and all glory is due God for all time.

As you compete today, keep in mind how your understanding of the sport compares to your coach’s and team leaders’.  Also remember the unsearchable depth of God’s wisdom for life.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 11:45-57
I John 4:1-6
Job 15:17-35
Ezekiel 42-44

D I V I N E   M O M E N T S

John 7:6

Have you ever been in a competition and had the awareness that this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience?  Can you look back and see such occasions?  Jesus has some wisdom for us related to these kinds of events.

In John’s gospel at chapter 7 and verse 6 we read, “Then Jesus said to them, ‘My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.’”

Jesus knew that divine moments come rarely.  Common opportunities come to us every day.  Be ready daily and watch for the divine moment.  Watch for the divine moment when you can make “The Play.”  These are the moments that define a player, a team or a season.  Football players remember “The Catch” by Dwight Clark that put the San Francisco Forty-niners in the Super Bowl.  Basketball players remember “The Shot” that Michael Jordan made at the end of his career to win the championship over the Utah Jazz.  Those were the athletic equivalents to divine moments.

Only once a year is there a conference championship game.  Rarely is there a play that could make or break a game or even a season.  Each play of the game is important, but like Jesus knew, we must also be ready for the divine moment and bring our very best to make “The play.”  Let’s have a great day of competition, make the best of the common opportunities and watch for the divine moment and make the play.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 11:38-44
Job 15:1-16
Ezekiel 40-41

A U T H O R I T Y

I Peter 2:13-14

Who are the people with authority in your world of sport?  You probably thought of coaches, officials, professors, conference administrators, parents, the University president or others.  What is your attitude toward such authorities, is it one of submission or defiance?  Is it more like obedience or rebellion?  Why should that matter to us?

Peter shares some insight into these thoughts in his first letter at chapter 2 and verses 13 and 14 where he writes, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.”

Some of the people who have authority over us we like and respect, that makes it a little easier to submit to their leadership.  Others are a little tougher to follow. 

Whether easy or difficult, the real motivation for submitting to proper authority is in Peter’s words, “…for the Lord’s sake…”  We can exercise self control and submit to our leadership even when they’re having their worst days.  We can do the right thing and model proper behavior even in the face of poor character and bad leadership.

Let’s all have a great competition today and so show the best of character.  Let’s model for the world and for our leaders a submissive attitude and proper respect for all those in authority.

Bible Reading Plan:
I John 3:11-18
Job 14
Ezekiel 38-39

F O C U S

Hebrews 12:2

When I was a high school athlete I ran the 110 meter hurdles.  I can remember like it was yesterday being in the starting blocks and looking down the track through the tunnel of hurdles toward the finish line.  Hurdlers and sprinters have a great advantage over longer distance runners in that they can see the finish line right out of the blocks.  I see that same dynamic in today’s scripture.

In the letter to the Hebrews at chapter 12 and verse 2 we read, “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Like the hurdler, it seems that Jesus could see the finish line for His life right from the beginning.  The clear vision of the destination and the rewards waiting at the finish line kept his life in perfect focus.

Every January, I watch the Super Bowl and am fully confident that all the players and coaches from both teams sneak peeks at the Lombardi Trophy sitting there waiting for the championship to be won.  They all have the trophy in clear view and compete strongly to the final gun.

Let’s emulate these champions and the Lord Jesus by keeping our goals clearly in focus and by putting away all the distractions that would keep them from being realized.  If we all compete that way, we’ll be a championship team.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 11:1-16
I John 3:1-10
Job 13
Ezekiel 35-37

H O P E

Romans 5:3-5

How does one maintain a good attitude in the midst of difficult times?  How does one's character affect these situations?  The character of a person, the true nature of his or her heart, is a continual source of either hope or despair.

The Apostle Paul continues his letter to his friends in Rome with these words in Romans 5 and verses 3 through 5, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us."

Hope is a confident expectation of good, based on the promises of God.  That comes from a changed character that was born of persevering through suffering.  Character has taught you to be confident and to have proper expectations.  Paul says that character produces hope and that hope doesn't disappoint because He has put an every day reminder of His love in our hearts.  The Spirit of God is alive in us to remind us of His love and promises.  That's what real hope looks like.

Let hope spring from your character today and prepare you for a great day of competition.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 10:22-42
I John 2:24-29
Job 12
Ezekiel 33-34

W I S D O M

Proverbs 3:13-14

Do you have some precious metals at home in your jewelry box?  How valuable are your rings, watches or necklaces?  What could be worth more than silver, gold, or platinum?

In Proverbs chapter 3 and verses 13 and 14, Solomon (a very rich guy) tells about something with surpassing value, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”

We would feel blessed if we had pounds of gold necklaces around our necks and looked like Mr. T.  Solomon says a person is really blessed if he finds wisdom and gains understanding.  To be blessed is to be contentedly happy with life.  Silver and gold can’t buy that.

Wisdom is something to be found.  It won’t sneak up on you.  It takes pursuit and tenacity to find.  Understanding is a commodity to be gained, like strength gained in the weight room.  The exciting thing is that wisdom and understanding pay greater dividends and yield more benefits than silver and gold could ever do.

In preparing for today’s competition, seek wisdom from every source available and gain understanding with every passing moment of the event.  In the end, you’ll be blessed with the greatest returns possible in athletic competition.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 10:11-21
I John 2:18-23
Job 11

P E R S E V E R A N C E

James 1:12

Have you ever met someone who seems to glow with enthusiasm and zest for life?  Have you ever talked with that person and asked from where that glow comes?  In the Bible we are given a good idea about the source of life that comes with a crown.

In the apostle James' letter at chapter 1 and verse 12 he writes, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been proven he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  Most of us have experienced some kind of trial.  Trials like sitting too many minutes on the bench, the death of a friend or family member, watching our parents' marriage crumble, or battling with cancer just to stay alive.

James says that when we persevere under trial we will receive something called the crown of life and it will make us blessed.  To be blessed is to be contentedly happy, that would be nice, huh? 

What might the crown of life look like?  Have you ever seen anyone who has been through the fires of life and has come out the other side with grace and enthusiasm for life?  You probably know someone who wears the crown of life every day.  That same crown has been promised to us if we persevere under our trials.

Let's press on, through the hard times, through feeling unappreciated and under utilized, through broken relationships and physical pains.  There is a crown waiting for us at the finish line.  Press on toward the crown and toward being blessed of the Lord.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 10:1-10
I John 2:12-17
Ezekiel 29-30

E N D U R A N C E

Hebrews 12:1

How would you characterize your season of competition, more like a sprint or a marathon?  Which one requires more perseverance, the ten second race or the two hour race?  Those answers are obvious, but the keys to such perseverance and endurance are a little more elusive.

The letter to the Hebrews mentions such values in chapter 12 and verse 1, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” 

I have a friend who is an 8 time winner of the Boston Marathon, in a wheelchair!  Jean Driscoll knows what endurance is.  To win that race requires going 26.2 miles in a wheelchair, in just over 1 and ½ hours.  That’s fast and fast for a long time.  That’s what endurance looks like.

Your course is set before you this season, it’s called a schedule.  We can all see it, but can we all finish it with endurance?  We certainly can if we’ll heed the instructions from the earlier parts of the verse.  We must keep our predecessors in mind for inspiration and encouragement. 

We must lay aside those things which weigh us down and ensnare our lives.  Lastly, we must compete every day with the end of the season in mind.  Let’s compete for a championship and approach every day of practice and each competition like champions.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 9:26-41
Job 9:21-35
Ezekiel 27-28

D I S T R A C T I O N S

Hebrews 12:1

Do you remember watching Michael Johnson, the Olympic 200 and 400 meter gold medalist competing in oversized, baggy sweats with those big, fancy shoestrings and floppy socks?  Of course not, that would be absurd!  That stuff is too easily entangled with one’s arms and legs.  Rather you saw him in the most streamlined clothing and shoes that he could get.  We can learn from such strategy.

Hebrews chapter 12 and verse 1 speaks of the same concept, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” 

For the runner, he or she streamlines as much as possible so as to not become entangled and thus trip and fall.  For us as competitors, on a deeper level, we must watch out for the things in our lives that could entangle or ensnare us.  Sometimes we can become ensnared by foolish relationships or addictive behaviors and we can be tripped up by the things we wrap around our own lives.

In today’s competition, run free from the things that would entangle or ensnare you.  Lay aside those clumsy, useless things that would trip you up and keep you from being successful.  Run freely and well like the champion you are.

Bible Reading Plan:
I John 1:5-10
Job 9:1-20
Ezekiel 24-26

H I N D R A N C E S

Hebrews 12:1

What is the single greatest hindrance to you as you compete?  Is it a lack of concentration?  Maybe it’s a physical limitation?  Could it be a nagging fear of failure?  How can these things be overcome?  Let’s consider an idea from the Bible.

The writer of Hebrews had certainly seen the competitions of his day and he writes with reference to them in chapter 12 and verse 1, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” 

The writer would have seen the athletes of the ancient world strip off all their clothes in order to compete unencumbered by the robes common to Greek culture.  That’s what he means when he says to lay aside every weight.  He encourages us to lay aside the things which weigh us down as we compete.

For us, it’s not usually clothes that weigh us down.  More often it’s a bad habit, a foolish attitude, a selfish lifestyle or an unhealthy relationship that hinders us as we compete.  The solution to the hindrance is still the same, lay it aside. 

You wouldn’t dream of competing in a wet, heavy overcoat.  So why be weighed down by other things which are equally detrimental to your personal and corporate goals?  Lay it aside!  You and your team will be better because of your good choices.  Let that kind of selfless attitude characterize today’s competition.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 9:1-12
I John 1:1-4
Job 8
Ezekiel 22-23

H A L L   O F   F A M E

Hebrews 12:1

What is the largest crowd before which you’ve competed?  Was it nearer one hundred, one thousand or ten thousand?  How did that crowd affect you?  Were you inspired or intimidated by it?  There’s a similar picture in the pages of your Bible.

That picture is in Hebrews chapter 12 and verse 1 where it says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”  Can you see it?  To me, this looks like a great stadium on the day of competition.

The great cloud of witnesses to which the writer refers is the Hall of Famers from the previous chapter.  This stadium is filled with the great heroes of faith throughout history.  The writer’s intention is that such a crowd of spectators serve to inspire and to encourage us, the competitors in the race.

In a similar way, the great competitors that have preceded you in this game and at this institution should serve to inspire, to motivate and to encourage greatness in you.  The crowd observing today’s competition can be your greatest source of strength and inspiration.  Let your vision of them be like the one we read above.  See the seats as being full of Hall of Fame competitors and that each one of them is there to encourage and to cheer you on to success.  Compete like Hall of Famers today.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 8:48-59
II Peter 3:10-18
Job 7

P E A C E

John 6:20-21

Who is the one person in your life that can calm the most fearful situation?  Is it your mom or dad?  Your best friend?  Who is it?  In today’s letter we’ll see who it was for the disciples of Christ.

John records this story in his gospel at chapter 6 and verses 20 and 21, “But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’  Then they willing received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where it was going.”

The disciples had been rowing across the Sea of Galilee for three or four hours, in the dark, against very strong winds when they see someone walking across the water toward their boat.  They were scared to death… wouldn’t you be?  When they heard Jesus’ voice and recognized Him, their fear disappeared, they gladly received Him and the situation was immediately resolved.

Jesus’ presence calms fears.  Just hearing His voice brought peace to a fearful situation.  His presence in our lives will bring peace to us as well, if we will do as the disciples did.  They heard His voice and then received Him to themselves.

Your teammates and coaches can likewise calm a chaotic situation or solve a thorny problem for your team.  A calm question or a gentle word of encouragement can be as powerful as Jesus walking onto your storm-tossed boat. 

Receive the counsel and encouragement of your teammates and coaching staff in today’s competition.  They are keys to victory.  Make this a day of greatness. 

Bible Reading Plan:
John 8:31-47
II Peter 3:1-9
Job 6
Ezekiel 17-19

E X P E C T A T I O N S

I Peter 1:13

Upon what are your confident expectations for this season and today’s competition built?  In whom or what do you fully place your hope for something?  Are those people or things fully trustworthy?

Today’s scripture tells us of someone who is completely worthy of our trust.  Peter writes about this at chapter 1 and verse 13 of his first letter, “Therefore prepare your minds for action, be self controlled and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Our athletic hopes are usually resting upon the team’s talent, the coaching staff’s wisdom and insight, and the maturity and teamwork with which we compete.  Those are sometimes very secure, but at other times less than reliable objects of our expectation.  Things like injuries, illness, discouragement, staff transitions and even fear can tear at our hope for success.

A much more secure object of hope is the grace that we receive in Jesus.  Trust the work that he’s doing in you individually and collectively.  Trust Him to do the very best in you everyday.  He’s 100% trustworthy and He will always work to bring about the best in you.  

As you pray in preparation to compete, ask the Lord to give you everything you need to fully contribute to your team’s effort today.  You can trust Him to be a consistent, faithful source of hope.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 8:21-30
II Peter 2:17-22
Ezekiel 16

S E L F – C O N T R O L

I Peter 1:13

What happens when one competes in an out-of-control way?  That person commits foolish fouls, is assessed a technical foul, draws an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty or even gets disqualified.  The value of competing under control is obvious and the penalty for not doing so is immediate.  What value might self control have beyond competition?

Peter wrote to his friends about self control in his first letter at chapter 1 and verse 13 where we read, “Therefore prepare your minds for action, be self controlled and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

After we have done the mental preparation for competition, we must exercise self control in order to execute the game plan and to play at an optimum level.  If we lose control emotionally or lose our focus on the task at hand, we’ll be distracted from the goal and failure will track us down.

In today’s competition and throughout the season, prepare your minds for action and be self controlled.  This will be the key to victory, on and off the field of competition. 

Bible Reading Plan:
John 8:12-20
Job 4
Ezekiel 13-15

P R E P A R A T I O N

I Peter 1:13

What kinds of things do you do in the process of preparing for competition?  Surely you study film, practice, visualize your performance, warm up your muscles and more.  We all know the value of physical preparation, but how important is it to prepare your mind?

Peter mentions this to his friends in his first letter at chapter 1 and verse 13, “Therefore prepare your minds for action, be self controlled and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Today we’ll focus on the first part of that sentence.  Prepare your minds for action.  We’ll think together about the three key words.

Prepare – At this level of play, one can no longer just show up and play.  To succeed we will need to prepare.  The good news is that by game day the preparation is done and we’re ready.

Minds – There is more required than just physical preparation.  We must be fully ready to compete, physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually.  Come to competition 100% prepared and bring your brain with you.

Action – Even if your participation in this competition is rather doubtful, your team needs to have you fully engaged in it.  Your teammates need your encouragement, your insight and your enthusiasm for them to compete at their best.  Everyone must be ready for action, not half for action and the other half for passivity.

Let’s prepare our minds for action and give this competition our best effort of the year.

Bible Reading Plan:
II Peter 2:1-9
Job 3
Ezekiel 9-12

F I N I S H I N G

Philippians 1:6

Have you ever noticed how graduate students approach their papers, like a master’s thesis?  Even at the beginning of the program they know it must be done and it seems for some it’s like giving birth to a baby....labor pains and all.  We see a similar idea in Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

In the letter to the church in a town called Philippi, at chapter 1 and verse 6 Paul writes, “...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Paul has confidence that his friends are in the process of being completed.

Like the master’s degree student, God has a work to do and it began at your birth.  His work continues in us until the day we die.  The exciting thing to me is that He’s faithful to complete everything He starts. 

Bible Reading Plan:
John 7:45-53
II Peter 1:12-21
Job 2
Ezekiel 4-8

R E N E W E D   P O W E R

John 5:21

How do we find power and renewed life for our bodies and emotions after the long months of a season?  What can give us renewed vigor and an injection of energy?  Jesus knows where this stuff comes from and He tells us today.

At John chapter 5 and verse 21 we hear His words, “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.” 

While none of us are dead, technically, I’m sure some of us feel less than 100%.  Who wouldn’t like to have our legs restored to the way they were in pre-season?  We could all use some resurrection of our energies for this championship game.

Here’s the good news, Jesus says here that just like His Father in heaven can raise the dead, so can He.  Let’s trust Him to breathe life back into our tired lungs, to re-ignite the fire in our souls, to strengthen our formerly lifeless legs.  If He can raise the dead, surely He can empower us to play this game with power, enthusiasm and passion.  Let’s go after this championship like we’ve just been raised from the dead.  We’ll show the crowd a life like they’ve never seen before!

Bible Reading Plan:
Song of Solomon 4:8-16
Jeremiah 52