Monday “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3 What Are You Teaching? When you’re not the real thing, people know you’re not the real thing. The beginning of the 2012 NFL season will forever be marked/marred by its officiating—how replacement officials with little experience were called up to replace the NFL’s regular officials because of the officiating lockout. Coaches, players, media and fans could tell, by the replacement officials’ actions, that they weren’t adequately prepared for the NFL level. Take the infamous Packers/Seahawks game, for example, and the replay we’ve seen thousands of times. By the referees’ actions, everyone could tell they weren’t the real thing. That’s not their fault. They never claimed to be. They were simply filling a hole. But the point is that the replacement officials’ actions Read More

Monday “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 Lifelong Hunger Life is hard and we go through many trials and difficulties. We talk about these times a lot and discuss the need to rely on God and trust Him during challenges. Many times we have no other option, but to turn to God. We are so desperate for Him to answer prayer and move in dramatic ways. I’m so thankful that He is there during those times. I think of desperation when it comes to sports, too. If a team or player hasn’t had success they are determined or desperate to work hard and do whatever it takes to pursue greatness. My question today is, do we remain desperate and in prayer for God to move and continue to change us when we experience blessings and when everything is clicking? Athletes Read More

Monday “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 Breath Athletic competition often requires tremendous exertion, which results in muscles taxed to the limit, profuse amounts of perspiration, and an enormous rate of respiration. I ran 42 cross country races during three years in college, and at the end of all of them I was gasping for breath. During my middle age years, I have sometimes participated in pick-up basketball games, always half-court. Even then, after 20 or 30 minutes the result was the same. I would be sucking in as much air as I could possibly get. Do you ever thank God for the ability to BREATHE? God made us with nostrils and sinus passages, a windpipe, diaphragm muscles, and a set of lungs. The air comes in, Read More

Monday “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 Living With Accountability One thing that every Christian needs is accountability. Whether it’s a friend, a spouse, a co-worker, or whoever, accountability is the lifeblood of our growth in Christ. It helps keep us or point us in the right direction. Imagine if Penn State’s football program, including coaches, players, administrators, etc., had accountability. Imagine if they would have held each other accountable each time they came to a difficult decision. Imagine, if we all, as Christians, did that. If we as Christians did that and sought God’s guidance, the frustration and disappointment that was evident in the handling of the Penn State situation would be nearly non-existent. It would just be a matter of doing what we know is right. When faced with difficult situations, seek guidance from a fellow Christian, and pray and seek God’s guidance. Read More

Monday “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 Loving in Difficult Circumstances It would have been easy for Tim Tebow to make cutting remarks or rant against the Denver Broncos front office personnel or coaches when they decided to trade him, but he didn’t. In some Read More

Philip Humber’s frustration with baseball had been building for quite some time. His frustrations reached a crescendo in 2009. That year, Humber—the New York Mets’ first-round pick in the June, 2004 draft and the third player selected overall—was in his second season with the Minnesota Twins. Traded to Minnesota the previous year as part of a deal that sent ace left-handed Johan Santana to the Mets, Humber made the Twins’ ’09 opening day roster as a long reliever. But the bottom quickly dropped out for Humber, who prior to getting dealt to Minnesota had languished in the Mets’ organization for three years—including missing almost a year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He pitched just 4 1/3 innings and his ERA skyrocketed to 12.46. The Twins designated him for assignment just three weeks into the season. Humber cleared waivers, and Minnesota assigned him to Rochester, its Class AAA affiliate. He spent Read More

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow drew more than 20,000 people to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on a Sunday morning this past summer. The parking lot was full, fans wore his jersey, faces were painted, and kids were cheering wildly, but there was no football game. The only thing on the field was a stage. Quite fitting, as those who have watched Tebow’s rise to fame can easily acknowledge that the NFL quarterback has made his beloved game a grand stage to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His message is simple, his mission is clear: To bring faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. Many football fans know his favorite quotes by heart. He never apologizes for his beliefs, never wavers from his convictions, and always has an apt reply for his greatest critics. Tebow embraces Colossians 4:6 with Read More