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December 22, 2012
Set:
What do we consider to be the “trials” of our sport? What parts of our character are tied into those trials? Do they test our wills, our bodies, our attitudes, our emotions, or all the above? How deeply are we affected by those trials?
In 1 Peter 1:6, we read, “You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials.”
We all can find great enjoyment and fulfillment in playing the game. In fact, many of us seemingly live for competition. But the trying parts of the process often wear us down. The disappointment and frustration that comes with sore muscles, painful joints, disappointing losses, and strained relationships can bring us down.
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December 21, 2012
Set:
The 1996–97 season was both victorious and sorrowful for the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. In this triumphant year, the team had won hockey’s greatest prize—the Stanley Cup. But joy quickly turned into tragedy as a car accident claimed the career of a leading player on their team.
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December 20, 2012
Set:
I once heard of a pitcher who was nervous about starting a play-off game. The position players were steering clear of him, and the pitching coach was at his wits end over the pitcher’s behavior. The head coach finally got wind of what was going on and marched down to the clubhouse to talk to the pitcher. He looked the pitcher in the eye and said, “Son, either change your behavior, or change out of your uniform!”
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December 19, 2012
Set:
To be winners, we must first prepare and develop a plan of action that will work, for proper preparation prevents poor performance. We must make sure our plans are God-directed by including two important offensive weapons—the Bible and prayer.
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December 18, 2012
Set:
I remember those games when I was a child where captains were appointed and then all waited to see who was picked by whom and when. Nobody wanted the distinction of being picked last. It was a horrible feeling, and I experienced it on a number of occasions.
How wonderful it feels to be wanted. Many times, people fall into bad relationships or immorality just because they desperately want to be wanted by someone, anyone.
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December 17, 2012
Set:
John reminds us to focus on God, and not think highly of ourselves. I once spoke at an event for a large number of kids. Before me, another speaker fumbled through his words in a monotone voice. As I listened, my sinful side said, “Dude, those kids are going to love you compared to this guy.” I couldn’t believe what I was thinking. My pride rose up and I hadn’t even stepped on stage. I was soon reminded, it’s not about me. The host introduced me as a youth pastor—which I’m not; and in the closing prayer, thanked God for me—using the wrong name. I drove home laughing. Those kids had no idea who I was or where I worked.
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December 16, 2012
Set:
Over a 32-year stretch of time, Les Steckel has coached championship football at the high school, college and professional levels. As different as each of those experiences has been, there’s one philosophy he has always shared with his players. “I used to tell my players, ‘Let me take you where you can’t take yourself,’” Steckel says. “That requires a willingness to cooperate and be committed.”
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December 15, 2012
Set:
In 1954 Don Larson struggled through one of the worst seasons ever experienced by a pitcher. He won three games and lost twenty-one. Strangely enough, he was then traded to the best team in baseball at that time, the New York Yankees. Things got better for Don Larson. Two years later, he had a record of 11–5 and the team made it to the World Series. In game five Larson pitched perfectly; not one runner got to first base. Afterward Larson said, “It’s amazing…not long ago, I was a nobody, and now, everybody wants me.”
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December 14, 2012
Set:
When is the last time you thought my life is worth nothing? In a culture of self-esteem where everyone wins because we don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, this is not a popular theme. We often see athletes pointing to their names on their jerseys or thumping their chests when they make a great play. Still other athletes refuse to play for a team because they don’t have a chance of winning a championship. It is the ultimate in selfishness!
We have plenty of examples of the “It’s all about me” belief in sports and in life. After all, there’s no “I” in team, but there is “me”!
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December 13, 2012
Set:
Our lives are so much bigger than what we can or cannot do on the playing field. Sometimes people think that the star athlete will be the best leader because of their athleticism. Or we think, Wow, if that person were a Christian they would have so much impact because they’re so popular and athletic.
The man who wrote 1 Peter 1:24 had an eternal impact even though he was what some would call a “spiritual scrub” or a “spiritual walk-on.” Peter was not the most popular, well- educated, or most athletic disciple. (Notice in the Book of John how he lost in a foot race with John to Jesus’ tomb.)
