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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.
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September 14, 2006
Set:
In my opinion, basketball is the best sport in the world. I love the rush of playing it. Now, I'm a post player, so I'm not exactly the smallest person in the world, and the whole conditioning aspect of things during practice is not my favorite. There would be days when coach would say, "Everybody to the baseline," and I would slug over to the line dreading what we were going to have to run.
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September 13, 2006
Set:
"Tell me something good!" he would say when I saw him. "I'm doing great!" he would say when I would ask him how he was doing. The late Coach Randy Walker had an infectious attitude in life. He was one of the most positive men I have ever been around. This attitude is something I now refer to as a "walkitude." A walkitude is an overwhelming positive view of life that is lived out in everyday actions and attitudes. He lived his life just that way.
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September 12, 2006
Set:
The 2006 NFL kicked off with events in stadiums all across America commemorating the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. That was a day when football was put in perspective for players, coaches and fans, and opponents were united. "It was a sad day, but at the same time it was a day that brought this whole nation together," New York Giants linebacker LaVar Arrington said.
