W A R N I N G

John 16:1

When has someone said something to you that saved you lots of pain, heartache and suffering?  How did you take the warning?  Today, we’ll hear a warning from Jesus.

Jesus said this to His disciples in John 16 and verse 1, “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.”

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples just before He was betrayed and arrested, prior to His crucifixion.  He was informing His disciples of the events to come so they would not stumble in the hours to come.

You hear lots of words that are meant to keep you from stumbling.  Among them are administrative rules, sport federation regulations, e-mails from friends, and admonitions from your coaches.  These all keep you from going astray, from wandering off course, they warn us of obstacles in our paths that could cause us to stumble.

Listen carefully when you hear words like this, they are life to you.  Listen to the coaching staff’s words as you prepare to play today.  Those words are life to your team.  They are spoken to help you avoid stumbling and to guide you into victory. 

Bible Reading Plan:

Psalms 108

II Samuel 5-7

P o s s i b i l i t i e s

Matthew 19:26

Which of your preseason goals seem to be presently impossible?  Which seem totally beyond your grasp?

In Matthew chapter 19 and verse 26, Jesus says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

There are times when our dreams are shattered and our goals seem beyond human attainment.  These are the perfect times to turn to God.  God specializes in making the impossible a reality.

Jesus assures us that with men much is impossible, but with God all things are possible.  Nothing is beyond His reach or outside His ability.

As you prepare to compete today, ask the Lord to fill you with His infinite ability.  Trust Him to help you compete at the highest level of achievement possible.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 13:14-31

II Corinthians 12:1-10



D r e a m s   F u l f i l l e d

Psalm 126:1-3

Take a moment to recall a time when your sport dreams were realized.  Perhaps it was a championship won, a rival beaten or an individual award achieved.  The Bible shares a poetic look at dreams fulfilled in today’s scripture.

Psalm 126 and verses 1 through 3 reads, “When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.  Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.  Then it was said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them.  The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

The writer remembered returning home after a long absence.  It was almost too good to believe, like a dream.  He remembered the laughter and the joyful singing of his friends and family.  The people from surrounding countries were amazed.  Even more, he remembered the source of these blessings.

It’s so much fun for us to see our dreams fulfilled and our goals achieved.  Our mouths are filled with laughter and we exult in every victory.  Those who watch you compete even join in the fun.  Occasionally we’ll even remember to thank the ultimate source of all that’s good… God.

During today’s competition, give your best effort to see your dreams fulfilled and your goals achieved.  Don’t be surprised when people comment like they did in the psalm, “The Lord has done great things for them.”  You can echo their comment in grateful prayer with a wide grin on your face.

Bible Reading Plan:

Psalms 103

I Samuel 21-23

S E L F I S H   P L A Y E R S

Proverbs 18:1

Do you have any teammates who seem to compete for themselves and tend to shun their responsibilities to the team?  Is there anything wrong with separating my personal competition from the rest of the team?  Should I pursue my personal goals if they conflict with the team's goals?

In the book of Proverbs at chapter 18 and verse 1 it says, “He who separates himself seeks his own desire, and quarrels against all sound wisdom.”

If you see a teammate who separates himself from the team, always trying to be an individual rather than part of the team, be sure that he's seeking his own desire.  The danger is obvious to the writer of the proverb.  This person is fighting against everything that makes sense about team activity.

The Proverbs and the whole Bible are written in the context of relationship.  God is our Maker and He knows that we operate best when we work together.  The Lord's wisdom is revealed best when we compete in loving, respectful relationships.  That's what it is to be a team, to have strong relationships with teammates and to seek the best for the team, not for one's self.

As you prepare  for competition in prayer today, ask the Lord to keep you properly related to your teammates and coaches.  Ask Him for the grace to not seek your own desire and so separate yourself from the team.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 11:27-33

II Corinthians 7

S c o u t i n g   R e p o r t

Mark 9:30-32

Can you recall a time when your coaching staff told you something about an upcoming opponent that triggered some questions?  They’re how big?  Are they really that good?  They’re how fast?  Why are we playing them?  Can we compete with them?  Did you dare ask the question or did you bite your tongue, afraid to ask it?  Jesus’ followers had similar thoughts as they heard some tough information from Him.

We read about this in Mark chapter 9 and verses 30 through 32, “They left that place and passed through Galilee.  Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples.  He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.  They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.  But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.”

These men heard some very distressing news from Jesus and were immediately full of questions.  They didn’t understand what was about to happen, but they were sure it was not good.  Why would Jesus even tell them about this?  It’s like your coaches telling you that your next opponent is unbeatable.

The point of such a discussion is to teach and to prepare.  Wise coaches give their teams sobering information about upcoming opponents not to bring them fear, but to lead them to strongly prepare for a great competition.

In today’s competition, apply every bit of information you’ve attained from your coaches, from watching videotape, from each day’s practice and let it all lead you to a great victory.

Bible Reading Plan:

Psalms 98

I Samuel 11-13

F r u i t   o f   t h e   S p i r i t

Galatians 5:22

Once again we’re talking about character.  The fruit of God’s Spirit in us.  Today’s list of three qualities relates to lifestyle commitments.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians at chapter 5 and verse 22 he writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  When people talk about you, do the words faithful, gentle and self-controlled come up?

These qualities would be great examples of a transformed life.  Let’s strive to have these things characterize our life styles:

·        Faithfulness - Loyalty and fidelity to commitments and relationships.  Is that you?

·        Gentleness - Not softness, but profound strength under control.  Does your life look like power under control?

·        Self-control - Not controlled by some outside stimuli like conditions, circumstances, people, but by one’s own will.  Are you in control of you?

In today’s competition, let’s show faithfulness as we hold tightly to our commitments and show loyalty to our teammates and coaches.  Let’s display gentleness by harnessing our personal strengths in serving others.  Let’s exercise self-control as we overcome the outside pressures that would rob us of victory.  Make this a day of greatness.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 10:1-16

II Corinthians 2

F r u i t   o f   t h e   S p i r i t

Galatians 5:22

We are again talking about inwardly held character qualities with outward expression.  This time they’re relational in nature... dealing with how we relate to our teammates, coaches and friends.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians at chapter 5 and verse 22 he writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  How would fruit be evident on your life’s branches?

Check your relationships to see if these kinds of fruit are hanging there:

·        Patience - bearing with the unbearable.  Do you know anyone like that?

·        Kindness - Giving the best to the undeserving.  To whom do show kindness?

·        Goodness - Emulating God’s character of moral purity.  Is that evident in your relationships?

In today’s game, be patient with each other’s failings.  Show kindness to each other, sacrifice to give your best to the undeserving.  Be good.  Express yourself with purity of motive and intention.  These qualities make for great relationships and for great teams.  Be one today!

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 16

Galatians 6

Psalms 118

II Samuel 23-24

F r u i t   o f    t h e    S p i r i t

Galatians 5:22

What are the characteristics of your life that show your true nature?  Do your actions accurately reflect the condition of your heart?  Let’s focus our minds on some inward qualities with outward expressions.  Let’s turn our attention on some transforming character qualities that will lead to victories on and off the field of competition.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians at chapter 5 and verse 22 he writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  As apples are the fruit of an apple tree, these qualities are the fruit of a lover of God.

These qualities that are held inside a person’s character are expressed in one’s speech and conduct:

·        Love - giving sacrificially to others without expectation of return.

·        Joy - Emotional stability in turbulent times.

·        Peace - Clear minded thinking in the middle of chaos.

In today’s game, employ love for your teammates in sacrificially giving all you have to achieve a win.  Exhibit joy in overcoming the emotional roller coaster that rides through the day.  Rest in the peace that comes with trusting God through the chaos of competition.  Bear some fruit in today’s game, everyone will see the source and they’ll honor your God.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 15:42-47

Galatians 5:13-26

Psalms 117

II Samuel 22

C o m p a s s i o n

Psalm 103:13-14

Have you ever felt like your coaches or teammates expected more from you than you were capable of giving?  How do you handle expectations that seem unreasonable?  What do you think God expects of us?

In Psalm 103 and verses 13 and 14, we get an idea of how God tempers His expectations of us.  There it reads, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.”

God knows exactly what we’re made of and is thus very compassionate toward us.  That’s good news.  He lovingly cares for us like the best possible father would.  Trust Him.

In the world of sport, coaches, teammates, parents, media and others may project expectations that you find unreasonable.  If they really care for you, they’ll also be compassionate and will know what is truly reasonable.  They are the ones you can also trust.

As you prepare to compete today, examine your expectations and those of your teammates and coaching staff.  Give your absolute best effort to achieve each one of them.  Rest assured that those most committed to you will also be compassionate if their expectations go unmet.  They know what you’re made of and love you completely.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 15:33-41

Galatians 5:1-12

Psalms 116

II Samuel 20-21

R E N E W E D   S T R E N G T H

Isaiah 40:28-29

Where do you find strength for competition when you’ve become weary?  Who is your source of power when your legs, arms, back and even your mind is tired?  Today’s scripture suggests an ideal source.

In Isaiah’s book of prophecy at chapter 40 and verses 28 and 29 we read, “Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Isaiah is confident of the power and strength of God.  He knows Him as the Creator of the whole universe, possessed of limitless ability and infinite might.  That builds his confidence as he knows God to be gracious and giving of those same attributes.

Everyone who competes becomes weary and feels a loss of power and strength.  That is the perfect time to trust God and to commit more than ever to your relationship with Him.  He freely gives strength and power.  He delights to do so as we simply ask for it and trust Him to supply all that we need.

In your preparation for competition today, ask God for a transfusion of His power in your body.  Petition Him for a gift of strength and wisdom for your mind.  Pray for and seek more of His love and mercy in your spirit.  He’ll answer you from His limitless supply, right on time.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 15:16-32

Galatians 4:21-31

Psalms 115

II Samuel 18-19

A   B l a n k    C h e c k

Matthew 18:19

What would you do if you were given a blank check and allowed to write in the amount?  Would you write in a big amount or a more modest number?

Matthew records Jesus as saying this at chapter 18 and verse 19, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”  This verse sure sounds like a blank check onto which we can write our names as payees and can fill in any amount we want.  What amount would you write?  Champions...MVP...Coach of the Year?

Upon closer inspection we find that when two or three of us get together and pray about something, our Lord joins us with His presence and we find our desires and attitudes changing to match His.  We begin to see from His perspective and to desire His will.  We pray in line with His desires for us and we see God the Father answering our prayers.

In preparation for today’s game, as you pray together, realize that the Lord is present among you.  Let the assurance of His presence bring you confidence and courage.  Go ahead and ask Him to do something, the blank check may just get cashed.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 15:1-15

Galatians 4:1-20

Psalms 114

II Samuel 16-17

C O R R E C T I O N

Proverbs 17:10

How do you respond to your coach's correction?  How do you react when a teammate tells you your technique needs improvement?  The answers could reveal a lot about your character.

In the book of Proverbs at chapter 17 and verse 10 it says, “A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.”

How deeply impressed would you be by 100 blows to your back?  Pretty deeply I suppose.  For athletes this may be 100 laps around the gym floor.  I hope it wouldn't take 100 to make an impression.  For fools it seems that it takes 100 blows to make a good impression.  For people of understanding, it takes something else.

The scripture says that a rebuke makes a greater impression on a person of understanding that running 100 laps would.  One correction to a wise person is of greater effect than doing 100 ups-and-downs.  One closed door conference with the coach goes deeper into the smart player than 100 trips up and down the bleachers.

In today's prayer time, ask the Lord to make you a person of understanding.  Ask Him to give you an attitude of humility and wisdom. 

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 14:66-72

Galatians 3:15-29

Psalms 113

II Samuel 14-15

Overcoming Unbelief

Mark 9:23-24

What do you have trouble believing when you consider your team’s prospects for the season?  Can you believe you’ll be conference champions?  Can you believe you’ll have a winning season?  Do you believe you’ll defeat your strongest rival?  Do you really believe you’ll win today’s contest?  Jesus saw a strong link between what we believe and what we achieve.

His words on this are recorded at Mark chapter 9 and verses 23 through 24, “If you can?’ said Jesus.  ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.’  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

The father of a terribly tormented child came to Jesus for help, asking if Jesus could do anything.  Jesus strongly challenged the father that it was not a matter of ability, but a matter of belief.  The man responded well to Jesus’ challenge and asked for help in overcoming his unbelief.

The same is true for this team and each of you today.  You have plenty of ability to compete at the highest level.  The question for us is, “Do we believe it?”  What can we do to overcome our unbelief?

Unbelief is overcome through committed relationships.  As you commit strongly to your teammates and coaches, your trust and belief in their abilities is strengthened.  As you commit to struggling teammates, their own belief in their abilities becomes stronger and more powerful.  As you grow the trust and accountability on your team, everyone’s unbelief is overcome and you can do anything. 

In today’s competition, believe and achieve!

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 14:53-65

Galatians 3:1-14

Psalms 112

II Samuel 13

S E R V A N T – L E A D E R

John 13:5

What is the most appropriate posture for a team leader?  Is it standing confidently?  Maybe it’s sitting with poise like one sits on a throne?  Perhaps it’s something radically different…

In John chapter 13 and verse 5 we read Jesus’ take on this, “After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.”

Here we see the posture Jesus takes as the supreme leader of a team.  He stoops to the floor and washes the dirty feet of his followers.  He is on His hands and knees with a basin and towel to serve His teammates in the most menial way.

How could we possibly lead in a similar way?  Take a moment and think about how you could humble yourself and serve your teammates well.

·        Rather than asserting your privilege, take the lower position with a younger player.

·        Voluntarily sit in the worst seat on the bus, rather than running for the best one.

·        Carry someone else’s bags into the hotel, not just your own.

·        Help the trainers and equipment managers do their jobs well by serving and encouraging them.

If you’ll take on the posture of a servant, you’ll find yourself taking on the look of the Savior.  Be that kind of a player and teammate in today’s competition and both the Lord and I will be very proud of you.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 14:43-52

Galatians 2

Psalms 111

II Samuel 11-12

S t r e a k s

Psalm 90:15

What’s the longest losing streak you can remember suffering through?  How long does your best winning streak seem in comparison?  Why does it seem that losing streaks drag on, but win streaks just whiz by?

Moses knew those dynamics during his lifetime and he wrote about it in Psalm 90 and verse 15.  There we read, “Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.”

Moses was just asking for a winning streak to come along to offset the terrible times that they had seen in the recent past.  He was not asking to go undefeated, just to get back to the .500 mark.

This encourages me.  I am much more comfortable asking God for success as I read this psalm.  The Lord knows we grow tired and discouraged when we face a number of losses in a row and He’s not offended by prayers like this one He heard from Moses.

As you pray on game day, ask the Lord to reward your work and your persistence.  Ask Him to match your losing streaks from the past with similar sized winning streaks in the future.  Let’s join Moses in his heart-felt prayer to God.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 14:32-42

Galatians 1

Psalms 110

II Samuel 8-10

D R E A M S

Ephesians 3:20

Every year I look at the schedule during pre-season and start to calculate wins and losses. “We can beat them.  We’ll probably lose there.  This one is a toss up.  We’d better beat them!”  I’m sure all of us lie on our beds at night and dream about championships and M.V.P. awards.  What’s exciting to me is that God can do immeasurably more than even those things.

In Paul’s letter to his friends in Ephesus at chapter 3 and verse 20 he writes, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us...”  How big can you ask or imagine?  How large are your dreams?  God’s reality is even bigger!!

Could it be that God’s plans for me are even greater than I could possibly dream of?  Can I trust God to make provision for my life in ways I can’t even conceive?  Absolutely.  The text says that He is able to do immeasurably more than I can even ask or imagine.  That’s how great God’s power is in our lives.  He is at work in ways we can’t even fathom with our simple minds.  His reality is even bigger than our dreams. 

In today’s game, let the confidence that comes from security make you the player you’ve always dreamed of being.  Step into the reality of God’s plans and you’ll find life that eclipses your wildest dreams. 

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 14:12-31

II Corinthians 13

Psalms 109

I n t e g r i t y

Mark 8:36-37

What would it take for you to compromise your integrity?  How much money would it take for you to shave points for gambling interests?  What would be the consequences of such actions? 

Jesus knew and spoke about such matters in Mark’s gospel at chapter 8 and verses 36 through 37, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”  The obvious answers to these questions are, “No good. Nothing.”

No matter the price tag on the item, it cannot equal the value of a clear conscience and a pure soul.  Nothing in the world is worth the forfeit of one’s integrity.

·        If you exchange your integrity for any price – you lose!

·        If you cheat in the classroom to get a grade – you lose!

·        If you shortcut workouts in practice – you and your team lose!

As you compete today, keep your conscience clean by competing within the rules of your sport.  Maintain the purity of your soul through integrity and accountability within your team.  Compete thusly and you’ll experience great rewards with no pangs of a sullied conscience or a tainted soul.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 14:1-11

II Corinthians 12:11-21

II Samuel 3-4