Coach Burden

February 13, 2012 - Can Asian Americans Play Hoops?

2012-02-13T10:52:00.001-05:00

As of late I have been reminded over and over ofstereotypes that are evident in the sports world.

I have watched this year as a young man I have writtenabout often – Tyler Lewis – continues to fight against, and break down, thestereotype walls. His coach at Oak Hill Academy was quoted on ESPN as sayingthat Tyler is the only kid that has played for him at Oak Hill that would notbe chosen in a pick-up game if you just saw him in the gym. I hear others stilltrying to claim that he is really not that good – too slow – too short – not athleticenough – or let’s be totally honest with the unsaid issue – too white. Yet thispast week Tyler again had an answer for the skeptics as he was named a McDonald’sAll American.

Then there is the newest rage of the NBA – Lin-sanity!Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks is the first Asian American starter in theNBA since they started keeping records of starting line-ups. He not only isstarting but set the record for the highest point total in the first 5 gamesstarted of any player since the merger of the NBA and ABA. The young man isabsolutely playing amazing basketball; and in the process breaking down somebarriers. This is a young man that has been buried at the end of the bench andwas very close to be cut from the team just last week.

How could a guy that is that talented be buried at theend of a bench? (And he is a guy that 2 summers ago proved he could really playwhen he went head-to-head with John Wall in a summer league and absolutelywowed the crowd.) Could it be that it was difficult for coaches to see past hisappearance? Maybe teammates were struggling to accept him in that role becauseof underlying stereotypes? Granted no one will admit to this (and many fail toeven recognize it exist inside of them.)

I am thrilled for Tyler and Jeremy. I am thrilled forshort white guys and Asian American guys all over the world. Yet thestereotypes will continue to exist and walls will continue to stand and need tobe knocked down… (And this doesn’t even touch on the stereotypes a young blackman has to face…)

So how is this a devotional? Actually it will lead usinto 2 devotionals: this week and next.

For this week I want to key on our problems inpre-qualifying who we reach out to. I am always aware of walls that are builtup in our Christian world and in our evangelism efforts. We tend to pre-qualifypeople on whether or not they fit the mold of who would want to hear aboutJesus. We tend to pre-qualify if we think someone is worth saving – all whilesinging “Just As I Am.” We tend to pre-qualify people on whether or not wethink they would be interested in speaking to us. We tend to distort themessage to what we think someone really needs to hear to fit our model.

Paul dealt with this in the letter to the Galatians.Leaders, including Peter, were distorting the Gospel to try to get the Gentilesto conform to their Jewish model of Christianity. In other words they were addingto the good news to all people (see Luke 2) that is the Gospel. Check out whathappened between Paul and Peter:

Galatians 2:¹⁴But when I saw that they were not straightforwardabout the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you,being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do youcompel Gentiles to live as Jews? ¹⁵Wewho are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, ¹⁶knowing that a man is not justified by the works ofthe law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus,that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law;for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

In other words: do not let yourevangelistic outreach become one of pre-qualifying someone to fit a mold! Whatit all comes down to is whether or not an individual is willing to accept theoffer of eternal life that is found in the finished work of Jesus Christ!

From the basketball world we see thiswisdom from LeBron James when discussing Jeremy Lin. "If he canplay, then he can play," James said. "That's all it's about. Thisgame doesn't judge race. It judges your ability to play."

Paul said it this way: Galatians 3:²⁸There is neither Jew nor Greek,there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you areall one in Christ Jesus.

This led to part one of the InBoundsMinistries mission: InBounds Ministries uses sports toattract a wider audience. Sports tend to be a common denominator of mostcultures. Gender doesn't matter. Race doesn't matter. Age doesn't matter.Sports cross those boundaries--as did Jesus--as does the Gospel!

February 6, 2012 - RESPECT find out what it means to me!

2012-02-06T16:28:00.000-05:00

One of the common themes that comes up in my discussionsabout where sports and Christianity collide concerns our testimonies in thesports arena. Many of you have been reading these devotions for years and haveoften read my philosophy: “Players play; coaches coach; refs ref; fans cheer!”We shouldn’t cross those lines. Of course that is easier said than done…

This past weekend reminded me again of the need to evenbring out the idea of simple respect in sport and life. As Americans that havebeen taught to “have it our way” we tend to be a very demanding people. We tendto be very vocal about our personal rights. Simply put we tend to be veryself-centered.

1 Peter 2 tells us the following command in accordancewith God’s will… (I guess this is predicated by whether or not you have adesire for God’s will in your life)… ¹⁷ Show proper respect toeveryone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Would you agree that sports are a part of life and notexempt from God’s will? Would you agree that this verse seems to indicate thatwe should be showing respect to those around us?

“Yeah Todd, but it says ‘proper respect.’ I only getupset when the ref is blind as a bat or when the coach is as dumb as a rock. Iwill give respect when it is earned or warranted.”

We need to be careful with the philosophies we live by.If you go just another verse in 1 Peter you see that this command is notconditional.

¹⁸ Slaves, in reverent fear of God submityourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, butalso to those who are harsh.

Did you get that? In the player’s Bible it may somethinglike: Players, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your coaches, notonly to those who are good, but also to those who you think are dumb. Players,in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to the referees, not only to thosewho are good, but also to those who you think are blind as bats.

I encourage you to read that whole passage. It reallygives an incredible perspective of one that honors God by honoring othersespecially when they don’t deserve it!

I long to see us be different! I long to see us fulfillthe following challenge from this passage: ¹⁵ For it is God’s willthat by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. ¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as acover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.

Side note: Respect is such a foreign concept to thissociety that I was recently at a college game and witnessed a recruit thatspent the entire evening with headphones in his ears, even when a coach waswith him. I wanted to smack him in the back of the head and tell him to showsome respect. To me that was a statement that said to the coach, “I am thecenter of my universe; you have not earned entrance into my realm.” It was apathetic but unfortunately accurate picture of our society. I guess I couldhave done a devotion on the evils of headphones… maybe next week…

Quotes from Scripture are NIV this week...

January 30, 2012 - Perspiration

2012-01-30T12:04:00.003-05:00

Last week I made the following statement: “Motivationmust be a teammate of preparation and application through perspiration.” Thedevotion centered on the need to go beyond motivation and make sure that God’sWord, His Playbook, is an integral part of your day – every day!

The Christian life demands that we “prepare” by allowingGod’s Word to transform the way we think. It is the equivalent of watching “gamefilm” so one can analyze his own play, as well as understand the opponent. Itis greatly rewarding as well as greatly humbling. It teaches, corrects, etc.The Scriptures make the promise of Itself to do these very things (see 2Timothy 3:16-17) in order to help us have victory in the “game of life.”

Yet an athlete does not just watch game film. There hasto be the “perspiration” mentioned in the opening statement. There has to be anapplication of the knowledge – which requires time and energy – which leads toperspiration.

Church I feel we spend time with the “game film” but waytoo little time with the perspiration of applying it. We are much like the DeadSea. We have a live flow of water coming in but no outward flow – resulting instagnation and death.

The typical response I get to this involves all theprograms a church has for “outreach.” Yet that is not exactly what I am talkingabout. I am talking to us as individuals. Are we involved in other’s lives? Do weconsider others as more important than ourselves? I am not asking if we have ascheduled time on our planners to “serve” and then feel good about ourselves. Iam asking us to truly, daily exercise the mandates of Scripture to serveothers!

My favorite basketball trainer is a guy named JasonOtter. He is phenomenal and worth every penny that people schedule with him fortraining. He often reminds players that they ultimately don’t need to paytrainers but instead need a personal work ethic that becomes part of theirdaily routines. Great players are not those that get occasional training, butthose that have the game envelope their lives.

I am not opposed to church programs, I run some. But I amopposed to saying that is what being a servant looks like. You don’t schedulebeing a servant. Servanthood is an attitude created through the study of theWord, which transforms our minds to consider others as more important thanself, which leads to a sacrifice of time and perspiration.

If we only worry about meeting needs when it is scheduledand we are delirious to other’s needs when it involves a loss of personal time,then I propose we are simply not being transformed by the Word. Transformation willresult in perspiration/service.

Are you willing to be inconvenienced by others? Are youwilling to not do something you planned to serve someone else?

We need to make sure that we are not just watching “GameFilm” but also then stepping out onto the “court” in order to put forth thesweat of applying that knowledge to the “game.”

See - Mark 10:45, 1 Corinthians 9:19, 1 John 3:17-18

January 23, 2012 - Ignoring the Coach...

2012-01-23T09:17:00.000-05:00

In our last devotion we spent our time looking at theelement of motivation. We discussed the blowout win of Florida State over NorthCarolina that weekend and that Dickie V called it “humiliating.” Again he wasnot saying it was humiliating to lose to FSU (they are obviously a solid teamas they beat Duke this week), but it was in the lack of effort/hustle on thepart of the UNC players. He stated they had forgotten what it meant to wear theCarolina jersey.

From that we moved to the fact that we as Christians wearthe name of Christ and that should motivate us to “play hard” in the game oflife. We should strive to honor the name we bear. We ended at Ephesians 5:16which tells us to take advantage of our time, to make every day count.

Well it is one thing to be motivated but there are otherparts to the puzzle. Motivation must be a teammate of preparation and applicationthrough perspiration. A “player” must understand what is expected of him andthen actually put it into action. Apart from the preparation you get “activitywithout achievement” (as John Wooden would say…)

When we see a team underperform it often causes fans toquestion the coach. Fans assume that players are actually doing what the coachhas told them in the huddle or in practices. Well I can tell you as a coach, asa father, as a minster – “players” are very good at letting instruction come inone ear and out the other. “Players” often feel they have enough understandingon their own to do things their own way. After all a player that is in collegebasketball has been hearing coaching for maybe 15 years of his life. (Kind ofmakes them teen ballplayers. Are teens known for ignoring instruction and learningthe hard way?)

Basically I want to remind us this week that we arein desperate need of instruction on a daily basis. We need to make God’sPlaybook a priority in our lives. Not to just read it but to apply it.

I think back to that FSU/UNC game and the look on the coaches’faces on the UNC bench. They were looks of frustration, confusion, anddownright anger. I was really waiting for the coaches to start laughing at the playersand pointing fingers at them. That seems harsh, but isn’t it ridiculous forthose players to not listen to and trust their coaches. Were they not gettingexactly what they asked for by allowing their pride to cause them to notlisten? The fact is the coaches didn’t have to do the laughing and fingerpointing; the evidence itself was doing that. There came a point in that gamewhere the coaches simply wanted it to be over – it was past the point oflearning and accomplishing anything.

Again as I write to Christians about our walks with theLord I find it ridiculous that we ignore His instruction. Yes this week andlast has brought us descriptions of “ridiculous” and “humiliating.” And thevery nature of wisdom herself is laughing and pointing her finger at us. God’sWord stands on its own to implicate us of these things!

In Proverbs 1 we see some very harsh reminders of this:

²⁴ Because I have called and yourefused,
I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
²⁵ Because you disdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,
²⁶ I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,

Don’t ever ignore being in God’s Word or applying it to the “game.”

January 16, 2012 - Up On Our Toes and First To The Floor

2012-01-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

On Saturday I watched one of the surprise basketballgames of the year. The Florida State Seminoles beat the North Carolina TarHeels so badly that it led Dick Vitale to call it “humiliating.”

The shock was not so much that FSU won the game but howthey did it. Yes the game was in Tallahassee at FSU so UNC had to know it wouldbe a tough match-up. Yes FSU is a very strong defensive team, but not supposedto be able to stop the studs from UNC. If it would have been a good game andFSU had won it would be chalked up to an “upset” but such is life on the roadin a major conference.

But remember the word I said the Dickie V used?Humiliating! FSU didn’t just win; they crushed UNC by the score of 90-57. FSUis a team that had themselves been beaten by 20 the game before by Clemson. UNCcame in ranked 3^rd in the nation and riding a 9-game winning streak.So what happened?

Well from a coach’s perspective I will give a couplethings. One, it was simply FSU’s night where they were shooting light’s out andplaying with great energy. Second, UNC was simply not ready. As I watched I sawFSU’s guys getting to what seemed like every loose ball – FSU was first to the floor!I watched FSU outrebound UNC in spite of UNC’s height and length. I saw the TarHeels playing back on their heels while the Seminoles were up on their toes. Thiswas not as much a case of what UNC was doing wrong as much as what UNC wasn’tdoing right. So why does this happen.

Carolina had played their last 9 games at home in ChapelHill. I believe they had become comfortable. I believe they were not ready toface the hostile environment of a road game.

This lack of readiness and energy is what led to thedescription of “humiliating.” That is the word unfortunately I would use todescribe the church.

I think we have played way to many passionate “home games”meeting regularly in the church and when we get into the “road games” we playwith no passion and no spiritual energy. I believe we miss opportunities tomake a difference in other people’s lives on a daily basis because we wouldrather just wait and “play at home.” Oh we may invite someone to church butthat simply is not enough. To wait to minister in others’ lives is theequivalent of not getting to the loose ball – the enemy is far too often “firstto the floor.” It is the equivalent of playing life on our spiritual heelsinstead of up on our toes. We simply are not ready!

I challenge you to become a servant daily – yes to humbleor lower yourself to be “first to the floor.” Make other people a priority inyour life. Live (play) life with a passion for Jesus Christ. Be ready to run toan opportunity to serve.

Dickie V went on to say that he used the word “humiliating”because he felt the UNC players had forgotten what it means to wear a jerseythat says and represents UNC. I use the word “humiliating” because I think thechurch in general has forgotten what it means to wear and represent the name ofChrist!

Ephesians 2:19 says that we are “fellow citizens with thesaints and members of the household of God.” Do you get that? You and I asbelievers in Christ are wearing a different jersey and we need to do more thanshow up for “home games” on Sundays!

We are told to take advantage of – or redeem – the timewe have (Ephesians 5:16.) We need to make every day count!

January 9, 2012 - Tebow's Biblical Game

2012-01-09T14:54:00.001-05:00

OK, I must be the first to admit that I have often spokenand written about the fact that I do not believe God cares who wins a game ofbasketball or football or baseball, etc. Back early on in writing the weeklydevotions I wrote about a college basketball coach that had guaranteed a win inthe national championship game because God had told him they would win. (Theirteam lost…)

My point in that devotion was to say that God is not inthe habit of guiding basketball shots like he did the rocks in David’s sling.What happens if both teams have Christians? What happens when the praying teamloses?

Recently there has been a lot of discussion, some veryhateful discussion, about Tim Tebow and his success - and at times lack ofsuccess - in the NFL. The big discussion and often joke is that God is helpingTim win games – and thus asking what happened to God’s influence when theBroncos lose. One comedian openly and vulgarly mocked not only Tim Tebow butalso God. An NFL player was quoted this past weekend as saying that his teamdid not need God to win games.

I agree with that player. His team is good. It is full ofmen that have committed to excellence in their craft. If the whole focus iswins and losses in the NFL or any sports league then the reality is that winsand losses come to both the just and the unjust. In this thing we call lifethere are many non-Christians that win in sports, business, etc. In this thingwe call life there are many Christians that lose in sports, business, etc.

Notice the Black/Gold uniform of the opponent
The Philistine Steelers? Israeli Broncos?

The problem is the focus of winning and losing at atemporal thing. Tim Tebow does not claim that God made the Broncos win; yet hefully gives credit and glory to God for allowing him to play the game he loves.As a result of his vocal praise for God, many are left feeling uncomfortableand miss the point all together.

In David’s fight with Goliath the issue was not who Godwas a fan of in fighting. The issue was a man (Goliath) that was openly mockingthe reality and strength of God. Goliath was calling out the army of the livingGod to the fight – big mistake! No one really gave David a chance in the battle(including those around him that were on his side.) Yet this young, un-testedwarrior – in his first battle – rose up and with one mighty throw brought downthe giant on the other side of the line! And throughout David gave glory toGod!

Again, I do not think throughout this year that I want togive God credit for the Broncos’ wins (although I will give credit to a godly quarterback’senthusiasm and work ethic in leading his team.) Yet I must admit that yesterday’sgame where this young, untested football warrior – in his first playoff battle –rose up and with one mighty throw brought down the giant on the other side ofthe line of scrimmage. This is the giant that everyone believed would destroythe broncos. (Wouldn’t it have been cool if they were playing the Giants?)

I do believe that this whole thing has gone beyond theridicule/trials of Tim Tebow (that God uses to build strength and character inTim’s life), to a direct problem of questioning and mocking God Almighty! Andas a result, maybe, just maybe, there was some helping in guiding the throw????

[And this young player, that was known for his John 3:16 tapeunder his eyes in college, threw for 316 yards on ten completions for a 31.6yrd average… prompting Fox News to declare it “Tebow’s Biblical Game.” This isa great reminder to the world of God’s love for them!]

And oh yeah, the scripture also says that “God will notbe mocked!”

Above Image Source Page: http://kittysoulflower.blogspot.com/2011/06/faith-is-not-standing-in-front-of.html - found via Bing Search

January 2, 2012 - InBounds Breakfast Club

2012-01-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Did you make any resolutions/commitments?Are you going to get in better shape? Are you going to eat better? Are youready for the new you?

I am asking this of you spiritually, not physically.Obviously I am not opposed to the physical side yet there are plenty of fitnessgurus you can turn to for that. And they will tell you the same stuff: eatright and exercise regularly.

As a spiritual fitness guru I am telling you the samething: you gotta eat right and exercise regularly! Maybe you could even combinethe spiritual and fitness to get a complete workout.

The challenge I am giving you for this year is to be apart of the InBounds Breakfast Club. This is something we do on our ROCK’emRoad Trips that I think should carry over to a disciplined daily routine.

Each day we rise to our morning exercise routine that includes:a morning prayer walk; morning physical exercises (i.e. jog, jump rope, etc.);quiet time in God’s Playbook (a healthy spiritual breakfast); a healthyphysical breakfast; and then off to a day that will include the spiritualexercise of serving others!

Simply put, we as believers can only grow by “eating” ofGod’s Word. It is what transforms our minds. (See Romans 12:1-2; Psalm 119) Bystudying God’s Word and serving others you will see a new you this year!

The Breakfast Club idea is not unique to InBoundsMinistries. I first heard about it being done by Michael Jordan and some of hisChicago Bulls teammates during their championship years. I was reminded of itthis past weekend by a kid that is playing for the Kentucky Wildcats. He washaving a great game against Louisville and the commentators were discussing hiswork ethic: that he had been holding his own Breakfast Club in the mornings atUK – and that some of his teammates had started joining him.

These examples are guys that are sold out to being thebest they can be at basketball. They are sold out to being champions.

Are you sold out to being the best you can be for theLord? Am I?

Let’s show some commitment this year. Join me; keep meencouraged; let’s hold each other accountable – to the InBounds Breakfast Club!Let’s start our days off right…

1 Corinthians 9:²⁴ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

December 26, 2011 - Believe the Hype! Share the Hype!

2011-12-26T11:50:00.001-05:00

The past few weeks have been filled with the hype of thecoming day… And now it has come and gone. Today we are left with the questionof “Was it all it was cracked up to be?”

Yes the NBA schedule tipped off yesterday with 5 games;and to be honest it was for the most part some ugly basketball. Obviously theteams have had little time to work together in the shortened pre-season so wewere left with seeing great athletes make periodic spectacular plays in themiddle of many plays full of miscommunication and chaos. It was alley-oops andair-balls throughout the day. (Yet honestly I see the same sloppy play early inevery NBA season, even when the pre-season is not shortened.)

Basically what we see is that seldom does the productlive up to its hype.

Isn’t life that way? We get excited and hyped up for somany things only to be reminded that we live in a fallen world where thingsbreak, people disappoint, and dreams don’t always come true.

No, this is not going to be a negative devotion – quite thecontrary. There was some other hype going on for the last few weeks concerningyesterday… Oh yeah, it was CHRISTmas Day!

This was an event that had centuries of hype from theprophets and angels as well. Think of the promises made to all men about thebirth of Jesus. He would be a Savior. He would bring peace. He would beImmanuel (God with us.) He would be Wonderul, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

And what we find is that the hype was real. Jesus lived(lives) up to all of it. From the time He was a boy He has continued to fulfillthe promises.

When He was a boy His parents found Him in the templewith the scholars…

Luke 2:⁴⁶ Now so it was that afterthree days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers,both listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

From that time on He went on to be the greatesthumanitarian, greatest advocate, greatest liberator, greatest teacher, etc. thatthe world has ever seen. While doing this He played a perfect game of life and qualifiedto earn ultimate victory through laying His life down as a sacrifice(substitute) for us and then rising from the dead!

Opening day of the NBA didn’t quite live up to the hype;but Jesus fully lived up to His… I know, He has changed my life!

Believe the hype!

Share the hype!

Luke 2:²⁰ Then the shepherds returned,glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, asit was told them.

December 19, 2011 - Recruiting Hotbed

2011-12-19T10:02:00.003-05:00

Merry CHRISTmas from Team Burden

When I moved to the Charlotte area a few years ago I wasblown away by the athleticism and size of players in high school basketball. Ibegan coaching in a conference that produces multiple D1 signees each year.(This is so impressive because less than 1% of varsity high school boys playersgo on to D1 scholarships.) Coming from Indiana (long considered the basketballstate) I could not help but notice the major differences in play but also thefact that people here were as crazy about hoops as we were in Indiana. Needlessto say this area is a hotbed for recruiting from college coaches.

As a recruiter you want to spend your time in areas thathave an abundance of talent. That may be certain cities (like LA that producesthe most players that eventually make it to the NBA) or making sure you hit theAAU circuit in the NCAA open periods because you know the best talent will beassembled there.

A couple thousand years ago in a small town calledBethlehem there were fields that were set aside for sheep that would be used inthe temple sacrifices in Jerusalem. These sheep had to be spotless, withoutblemish. Therefore they were heavily watched/guarded flocks. This was the “hotbed”for sacrifices.

One particular night the shepherds that were watching thesheep were approached by an angel of God and told of THE sacrificial Lamb of God that was bornin their little town; (He would live a life without blemish; and eventually dieon the “altar” for our sins.) What an awesome announcement that was made thatglorious night!

Yet another incredible point is that the messenger of Godthat night not only told of a Savior for all people but also did some “recruiting”as he invited these lowly shepherds to personally meet the Savior; and then themultitude of heavenly hosts joined in with a promise to receive peace and goodwill from God.

Have you met the Savior this CHRISTmas? …If not I urge toput your faith in Him as your sacrificial Lamb. If you have I urge you to spendthis week inviting others to meet this Savior that was born (and died) forthem! Be likethe shepherds and tell the glorious news that you have received.

Merry CHRISTmas to all! (Read Luke 2:8-20 this week)

December 12, 2011 - Coach Embarrassed By Players

2011-12-12T09:27:00.000-05:00

If you have watched the sports news closely this weekendyou probably saw the ugly fight that took place at the end of the Xavier/Cincinnatigame. The players had been at odds throughout the game; in fact the refs had toseparate them at halftime. Yet with the clock winding down and the game longdecided on the scoreboard the boys’ emotions got the best of them. There wereshoves, punches, and even stomping on people; there have been multiplesuspensions and some believe that a couple of the players shouldn’t play again;I have even heard some say that criminal charges should be levied. In the wakeof all of this mess it led the coach of Cincinnati to say he is “embarrassed”by the conduct of his players.

Yet the response from the players fits an all too commonthought process in our culture. They simply thought they had to stand up fortheir rights; they thought they had to show they were strong and not going tobe bullied or be disrespected; they weren’t going to be weak. One of the playersinvolved said, “Where we come from…” as though his behavior was expected.

In a nutshell, the players allowed themselves to bedistracted by their individual rights and image instead of sticking to the team’sgame plan.

I could spend a lot of time just writing my thoughtsabout this incident and its social ramifications based upon how the mediabuilds it up. Yet I will stick with the purpose of the weekly devotions and writeas a “coach” that looks for opportunities to show parallels between the sportsworld and our Christian lives.

I will stick with the theme of the last couple of weeksof devotions that have keyed on the game plan for us to “solve for X in X-mas.”I have tried to be clever and encourage us to use the “X-mas” phrase to sharethe Gospel…ye this week I will get straight to the point.

As a coach I am often embarrassed by our “team’s”behavior during the holidays. We spend way too much time arguing andcomplaining about our rights and being disrespected. I hear far too often thatwe are not going to be “doormats”; all while hearing messages about peace,turning the other cheek, Christ remaining silent to His accusers, etc.

Please do not get me wrong. We have been given anopportunity (for those of us that are in America) to have a voice through thevoting process. Yet the game plan for us is not to be one of political activismor screaming about our rights. The game plan is the Great Commission to preachthe Gospel. The game plan is to lay down individual rights in order to focus onsharing the hope, joy, and peace of Christ with others.

When someone wishes you “Happy Holidays or Merry X-mas”this CHRISTmas thank them for the kind greeting and respond creatively. Afterall they have wished you happiness and merriment. Those aren’t bad things.

Maybe respond by saying, “Thank you and I hope yourholidays are not only happy but also full of hope, joy, and peace. Could I tellyou how to find those things?” Or maybe say, “Thank you. Could I ask what the ‘X’stands for in your mind? What are you truly hoping for during the holidays? Tome the ‘X’ represents my hope, my joy, and my peace – could I share that withyou?”

As a “coach” my desire is to see us stick with the gameplan and not be distracted by all this other stuff. I would hope that we wouldrespond like the shepherds did. After they met the Savior they responded not bydemanding more respect as individuals - (remember shepherds were considered thelowest class of people) – but instead by becoming the first evangelists afterthe birth of Christ.

According to Luke 2:17 the shepherds “made known thesaying which was told to them concerning this Child.” What was told to them? Inthe preceding verses there is the good tidings of Christ the Savior and thepromise of peace on earth and good will toward men!

If we will be faithful with the “good tidings” that weretold to us we will see results like the shepherds did. Check out the responseto the good news they were sharing…

Luke 2:¹⁸ And all those who heard itmarveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Let’s stick to the game plan!

December 5, 2011 - Get the ball to your Scorer!

2011-12-04T14:20:00.001-05:00

Years ago, while I was still on the sidelines as a high school coach, I had a lot of fans (mostly parents) that did not like my philosophy with the team. I had one player that had spent numerous hours in the gym, taken thousands of reps on his jump shot, and simply put was our best scoring option. (My philosophy is that shooters shoot!)
With that said I found myself often in the huddle diagramming plays to get the ball in this young man’s hands. In light of last week’s devotion on X’s and O’s, he became the “X” that was our primary scorer. Now remember I had some that did not like my philosophy. They felt their child should get the same opportunities to score. Pride said that they wanted their son to be the “X-man.”
The problem is that those players did not meet the standard set for that “X.” They did not possess the same skill set to accomplish the job. Therefore our game plan often centered on that player getting the ball.
Last week we talked about the fact that Jesus is the answer to the “X” question. If we want a truly Merry X-mas then Christ needs to be in the place of the “X.” If we truly want hope and joy and peace then Christ needs to be in the place of the “X.”
Evan as a Christian, I find it easy during the hustle and bustle of the holidays to focus on the wrong things. Between the extended travels, the crazy schedules, the purchasing of gifts, the expectation of receiving gifts, etc. it is easy to get away from the game plan.
This X-mas I want to make sure I am looking to get the ball to Christ! I want to focus on Him. It is the only way to successfully break life’s full court press. (None of us, nor any material things, can meet the standard set for “X.”)
I choose to focus on God and His goodness! Listen to how Mary put it…
Luke 1:46-49 (The Message) And Mary said, I'm bursting with God-news; I'm dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened— I'm the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.

November 28, 2011 - Diagramming Plays (For CHRISTmas)

2011-11-27T14:59:00.001-05:00

The X’s and O’s of coaching: simply put, as a coach one is assigned the job of figuring out plays that will work against the opposition. He has to look at the obstacles the opponent puts in front of the team and the strengths of his players.

Once that game plan is determined, the coach will make sure he has the right player filling the right role. If X is supposed to bomb a three, you can bet the coach is looking for a great shooter to assign to that role. If X is supposed to pound the ball inside, you can bet he isn’t looking for the 5’9” guy on his squad. I think you get the picture.

In the grand scheme of life, God looked at the opponent and “diagrammed a play”. He had to find a “player” with the abilities to overcome the obstacles. He had to find a “player” that wouldn’t “turn the ball over.”

The obstacles the opponent raised involved the separation sin brought between man and God. The opponent’s desire: to keep man from God. Therefore God’s game plan was to bring peace and good will to men. God’s game plan was to insert a “Substitute”, a Savior into the “game.” (Read Luke 2:10-14)

The X in God’s game plan then has to be able to not turn the ball over and ultimately to save the game. Simply put that X is Jesus!

Merry X-mas! Now you can explain to the world what X equals - solve for X!

Side note: for over 1,000 years it has been common for Christograms to be used. These are abbreviations common in literature. X is very common as an abbreviation for Christ as the X is the first letter of His name. (X = Chi)

Side note #2: -mas in Latin literally means “Go, it is dismissal.” It is a charge to the church to go and tell God’s game plan to others. One author wrote, “These few words succinctly express the missionary nature of the church.”

Therefore team, it is time to break from the huddle; go onto the court of life; and execute the game plan of telling the world what X stands for!

November 21, 2011 - Code Of Conduct

2011-11-21T00:24:00.001-05:00

This past week as I sat in a gym awaiting a high school basketball game, I had a great reminder from the announcer. The game was held at a Christian school in Winston-Salem, NC and before opening in prayer he reminded the crowd of something that has been a common cry of our ministry. He reminded them of the need as fans to honor the Lord!

Think about the hypocritical culture we are in as sports fans. If we see a player get upset and scream at an official, a coach, or another player we immediately brand that player as out of control. We will quickly call him a “poor sport.” We may even call him a “thug.” We will be thrilled when the ref blows the whistle and gives him a technical!

What if the refs were to blow whistles and give technicals when the fans were out of line? What if we viewed fans by the same standards of which we give players?

Way back in 2002 when I started doing these weekly devotions on the internet, I wrote about the fact that God doesn’t give a 40-minute reprieve from holiness to play a game. Since a new hoops season is upon us may I remind you that this is also true of watching a game?

Psalm 19: 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

With this week of Thanksgiving, I remind you that we are to be a people of praise and thanksgiving, not of complaining and griping. (See Philippians 4:8 and 2:14)

A gentle reminder of the InBounds Code of Conduct:
Players play; Coaches coach; Refs ref; Fans cheer!

November 14, 2011 - Bench Players Commit Zero Turnovers

2011-11-14T11:50:00.001-05:00

What is your excuse? Why aren’t you tearing up the “court”? Why aren’t you making a difference in the “game”?

Far too many Christians are content going through the motions of the “game” and focusing on the idea that what makes us good “players” is not committing “turnovers” (making mistakes / sin.) Although that is a wonderful accomplishment, by itself it doesn’t make you an effective player.

In basketball a player that has been entrusted with the ball is gauged by a simple formula of assist-to-turnover ratio. How many assists is he dishing out compared to when he is messing up? (And as a coach you are also looking at variables such as how much pressure is the player under.)

One of my former players is now the point guard at Oak Hill Academy. Through their first 7 games his assist-to-turnover ratio is 10.3 to 1.5 - That is an amazing number! What is even more amazing is that the night I went to watch a game the opposing team played very physical and pressured him the whole game, most of it picking him up with full-court pressure. The result was amazing. He played the entire game and had zero turnovers. (Way to go Tyler; and congratulations NC State – you are getting an amazing and effective point guard next year!)

There are many that question Tyler’s game. They say he is too small; too slow; too weak; etc. It would be very easy for Tyler to just buy into the questions and be content to just try to stay away from trouble. When facing pressure from the other team he could choose to try to stay away from the pressure by playing “east-to-west” (sideline to sideline) instead “north-to-south” (goal to goal - attacking the pressure.) I believe Tyler could still maintain good low turnover numbers in games that way but he would not be an effective guard doing that. (Heck, some players just simply do so little that they get to stay on the bench. Do you realize that a bench player doesn’t commit turnovers; but does that make him an effective player?)

So back to our original questions: What is your excuse? Why aren’t you tearing up the “court”? Why aren’t you making a difference in the “game”?

Obviously we are not talking about the game of basketball. We are discussing serving the Lord in our Christian lives.

Maybe your excuse is that you are not “talented” enough to make a difference. You are right; but Christ in you is! Colossians 2: 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

It is time to get busy and make a difference. Christ in you gives you the potential to be an all-star player for God. Yet I will end this week with a quote off of Tyler’s dad’s Facebook page. Coach Lewis is a scout for high school players and he said this:

“Too often potential never matches performance and production. Potential may be the single most overused word to describe players today.”

Church we have the potential; let’s perform and produce!!!!!!!!

November 7, 2011 - The Discipleship Relay

2011-11-07T22:41:00.002-05:00

1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
These words were penned by the Apostle Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) to the Corinthian church (and thus all believers.) The context of the letter has been Paul explaining the mandate to be servants and stewards of the Gospel of Christ. He has just shared the selfless attitude required to reach out to people – “that they may be saved.” (10:33)
The thing I love is the beauty of the discipleship message found in this verse. I have been asked in the past about the best model of discipleship and I have answered very simply: “Jesus did it by saying follow me, and when I am gone do what I did.”
Paul here has said keep an eye on me; imitate me; now run the same course. It is the discipleship relay!
Think about a relay team: a race between teams of competitors in which each member of a team runs... only part of the total distance to be covered… the current runner must pass a baton to the person running the next section. (Bing Dictionary)
Picture the guy waiting to run the next leg. He is intently watching the first runner’s course and as the first runner approaches him their races will briefly intersect and then the baton will be handed off for the second runner to run the same course…
Are your eyes on a runner that is showing you the course? Are you running with the intent of handing off the baton to a next generation runner? The church is supposed to be a discipleship relay team!
Jesus very clearly taught this idea with simple commands like “the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21)
In other words the relay goes like this: Jesus ran His leg of the race; Paul imitates Jesus and runs his leg; and now we are to imitate Paul running our part of the course! (Obviously there have been many legs of the relay run in between…)

Ocotober 31, 2011 - It doesn't take much space...

2011-10-31T10:43:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons I love hoops is because it is so easy to get the opportunity to play. It doesn’t require much equipment (and the equipment can even be kind of ragged.) Just about anything round up in the air can serve as a hoop (i.e. a bicycle tire rim on a pole.) I can even remember times with my kids of simply making my arms into a circle and telling them to shoot at it. Plus you don’t need a lot of space to be able to practice ball handling, etc.

The reason this comes to mind is because I think as believers we often fall victim to believing that our evangelism outreach needs to have a huge platform with bright lights. As a church we often gear toward big events as the way to reach people. When in reality it doesn’t take much “space” to get face to face with someone and share the hope of glory, which is Christ in you! (Colossians 1:27)

This past week while in the Dominican Republic we crawled out of our van to go into a small storefront to exchange money. When I came back outside there was a group of kids mesmerized by some of our InBounds coaches. Two of the coaches (Justin and Clay) had basketballs under their arms and another, Frank (who speaks Spanish), began talking with the kids. One of the kids even had a worn out old basketball with him.

I asked Clay to do some dribbling drills in front of the kids. They were “hooked.” Next thing I know I am sitting in a very small area of a crowded parking lot with kids having an impromptu hoops clinic. And the beauty is that Frank was in turn telling them about Jesus and giving them Gospel tracts to read.

How about you? Are you taking advantage of the “space” that you are in to share the Good News?

Yesterday I preached in two services about the fact that we are not only called to be servants of Christ but also stewards of the mysteries of Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) This passage calls us to be faithful to this task. (A “steward” means that God has entrusted this to us!)

So how are we faithful to this? By serving Christ - via serving others! (You know the whole “done unto the least of these, you’ve done it unto me” sermon.) And we need to be faithful to share the Gospel in those encounters.

Side note from yesterday’s sermons: We cannot claim to be serving Christ while ignoring others!

2011-10-31T10:42:00.001-04:00

October 24, 2011 - Cracking the Whip

2011-10-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

What is the goal of a coach? What is his job? Should he drive his team by cracking the whip?

Today, here in the Dominican Republic, I saw a great picture that got the questions rolling in our van full of coaches. A man was going down the street with his oxen pulling a load. He was at times really cracking the whip on the oxen. Not only was it a great cultural picture (since we do not often see oxen yoked together in the states); but it was also a great sports picture and spiritual picture.

The initial analogy that came up was dealing with the use of the whip. Of course we were discussing the times as a coach that we have to crack it.

I made the following observation: As long as the oxen are yoked and going in the same direction (same goal) then the whip is simply a way to speed that up or keep it moving. Therefore the coach’s job does involve at times cracking the whip.

But then it dawned on me that the farmer was also the guy that placed the yoke on the oxen. Therefore it reminded me that the coach’s job also includes setting the direction/goals of the team – unifying them. It would be very hard to crack the whip in the process of putting on the yoke; that needs to be a time of peace for the animals/team…

As a Christian coach the goal should not be winning games/championships nearly as much as it should be everyone striving to honor God in effort and attitude – or as my good friend Terry Primm put it: “Playing to make God famous!” (Colossians 3:23)

And this is also the reminder of our responsibilities to be careful who we are yoked to… Our “teammates” (be it a spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, business partner, best friend, etc.) should be equally yoked with us. In other words we should have the yoke of the Word of God guiding us and keeping us on the right path; along with at times the Holy Spirit cracking the whip of conviction!

2 Corinthians 6: 14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

October 17, 2011 - Diet

2011-10-17T13:06:00.000-04:00

Last night as I looked at my son chomping on his bag of potato chips that he had purchased, it reminded me of how often we need to hear basic truths. I mentioned to him that he needed to take more seriously his diet if he truly wanted to be the best athlete he could be. His response was, “I’ve got to put on weight somehow.” I quickly reminded him that even though he does need to bulk up some that is not the way to do it. He needs to put on the right kind of weight and also give his body what it needs for complete healing from his knee injury. Literally put, he needed reminded that if you put crap in you get crap out! I reminded him that staples of his diet need to include protein and good carbs.

The interesting thing is that this discussion came after I had spoken twice yesterday about one’s diet. Only I was not talking about the physical diet but instead one’s mental diet…

I reminded the folks I was talking with of a very well-known truth; one which I have written about in these weekly devotions; yet one that I think needs repeating often.

Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us that the believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and sealed until the day of redemption. Galatians 5:16-18 reminds us of how this plays out in our lives. As believers we have both the Spirit and this flesh (and its mind) that has desires. It is truly a battle that takes place for supremacy of our thought lives. And which one wins that battle will be which one you feed the most.

Basically the world is full of “junk food” that feeds the flesh and its desires. Our flesh craves things that feed our pride and our lusts. That is the “food” for the flesh.

So what does the Spirit like to eat? God’s Word! God’s Word is the nutrient that transforms our minds. God’s Word is the nutrient that strengthens the Holy Spirit in us. God’s Word has to be a major part of our daily diet if we want to be the best spiritual athletes we can be! (Browse through Psalm 119 today.)

I urge you this week to take a look at your “diet.” What are you “feeding” on each day? What are you watching, listening to, and talking about?

Is God’s Word a staple in your diet? (Or are you content to just “eat” of it once a week at church?)

October 10, 2011 - An Understanding Coach

2011-10-10T22:02:00.000-04:00

I was talking with a good friend tonight about the struggles that great players have when they try to be coaches. Basically we see guys like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, or even Michael Jordan that struggle in coaching roles. Why is that when they are such great players?

One common thread to the greatest players in any sport is their great dedication to hard work. They have a mentality that cannot settle for less than giving one’s best. They cannot stand to lose. They have a mentality that says, “you may beat me today but I won’t stop…therefore I will catch you!”

This all sounds like a mentality of a great coach. The problem is that these guys cannot understand players that don’t have that same drive. They are sickened by players that are content to lose. They forget that they are the exceptional ones and thus are not very understanding as coaches.

I thought of a Proverb in chapter 10 that says:
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy man to those who send him.

I am reminded of the importance of hard work – again in Proverbs 10:
4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor,
But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son;
He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

Did you get the spiritual implications there? The Lord of the Harvest has called us to action. He has commissioned us to preach the Gospel and make disciples. How often do we cause Him shame?

I often use this platform to try to challenge us in our reasonable service to the Lord. I hope this week to do the same. But I also hope to comfort us by reminding us that, unlike the superstars that cannot handle coaching screw-ups, our God is patient, kind, and merciful! He is the God of second, third, fourth…chances.

Lamentations 3: 22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,

“ Therefore I hope in Him!”

October 3, 2011 - Leave It All On The Court!

2011-10-03T08:04:00.000-04:00

“Leave it all on the court!”
“Bust it to the buzzer!”
“The only numbers on the scoreboard that truly matter? The clock – Give your all until it zeros out!”

I love to coach players that leave the court exhausted! I love to coach players that have to look at me and ask for a substitute because they have been giving it all. (In fact I had a standing rule that if you came out of the game because of exhaustion that I would get you back in the game as soon as you were ready. The adverse, if I pulled you because of laziness you should expect a long visit on the sidelines!)

The point is I want to see that the game matters to you as my player.

I recently heard a commercial on television where an older guy stated “I want to die exhausted.” It wasn’t a very good advertisement because I cannot remember the product, but the line jumped out at me.

John Wesley was quoted as saying, ““Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” I also saw that it was attributed to him as saying “I want to die exhausted for Christ.”

All of this has me thinking of an admonition in the Scriptures that I quote often in these devotions: 1 Corinthians 15:58 tell us to be steadfast and immovable. We are good at that in the church. We hold fast to our doctrine and traditions. We consistently meet together (and often sit in the same seats.) My fear is that we have taken the word “immovable” too far. We ignore the next part that says we should be always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Did you get that? “Always!”-----“Abounding!”

Or in the words of John Wooden, “Move, move, move!”

So what is the “work of the Lord?” We can look at a lot of things yet based upon the great commission I think we can easily state that there is a huge emphasis on “the Lord of the Harvest.”

2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Luke 10)

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. (John 4)

Are you willing to give your all until the “buzzer sounds”? Are you going to “leave it all on the court”? God’s “game plan” is clear.

I don’t know about you, but I want to “die exhausted”!

September 26, 2011 - Basketball Begins When Basketball Ends...

2011-09-26T15:02:00.000-04:00

This past week I was able to sit under some great teaching at the annual Youth Evangelism Association convention. As I listened and took notes, one presenter greatly caught my attention. His name is George Kell. He is the executive director of the Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center in Harrisburg, PA. (You should Google them and check out the amazing work that is going on there!)

George caught my attention with the following statement: “Basketball begins when basketball ends.” (He also stated that acting does the same thing.) Yes, I know it is a Monday and I am asking you to think philosophically – but it is a worthy journey.

George went on to explain that practices (rehearsals) are the time to think about what you are doing; to get the technical side of things down. But when the ball or curtain goes up it should be so natural that you no longer have to think through it but instead just play…

When I think about the greatest players I have ever watched or coached, they all had one thing in common – the game seemed almost effortless – just a natural extension of who they are.

So how does a great athlete/actor get to that point? The playbook/script has to become second nature. The movements have to become part of who he/she is. He/she has to come to a place of a new identity founded in the position/character.

(George used sports along with the arts in his teaching because he recognizes that those two venues make up the “2 Great Universal Languages.”)

George likened basketball unto doing improve on stage. He mentioned that “the stage is only a scary place if you know that you are you.”

So what does all of this have to do with a weekly devotion? Glad you asked!
Have you ever heard the phrase that “all the world is a stage”? With that idea in mind I also remind you that it can be a very scary place. Yet only if you know you are you…

The Bible has called us as believers to have a role on this stage that honors the Lord. As a church we emphasize this through calling people to a life that avoids some things and also adds some things (the “thou shalts and thou shalt nots.) In other words we design the “plays” and ask our “players” to follow the plan.

Unfortunately this approach is often very lacking. It reminds me of watching youth teams learning plays; each player running to a predetermined place on the floor at a predetermined time; and very few of the players having any idea of why they are going there.

I could go on and on about this but I will try to get to the point.
If we, as believers – players on God’s team, want to play out our role on earth in a way that brings honor to the Lord, we need to stop just going through the motions. We need to study the “playbook” intently and in doing so we need to study our Savior intently. We need to see not only how He lived but also why He did it. We need to seek to not just conform to His life but to be transformed by His Word and life (Romans 12:1-2). We need to step out onto the world’s stage unafraid – because it is not us but Christ living through us. We need to have the “thou shalts and thou shalt nots” be a natural flow of who we are.

Christian living begins when living ends.

Galatians 2: 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

September 19, 2011 - Teammate Affiliations

2011-09-19T07:56:00.000-04:00

The news lately in college sports is centering on teams changing conferences – or – conference realignment. Basically many schools are trying to improve their standing by finding the fit that will give them the best options for recognition in the polls, more potential for revenue, better recruiting capabilities, etc. It must be a very difficult thing to navigate all the scenarios that are taking place.

Some are very excited as they see the strength of the changing super conferences; others are discouraged as they see the strength of these conferences hurting the outlook for others. Yet bottom line is that each is looking to determine what makes them stronger. Not sure I always agree with how they get there but I do understand the general premise that schools have a responsibility to work to do what is best for their university and program.

What or who are your “affiliations?” Are you making sure that you are being strengthened? Do the people around you build you up or tear you down? The sports news this week, coupled with a testimony I heard last night by a friend that is a state-champ basketball coach, continue to take me back to the devotion I wrote 2 weeks ago about how important “TEAM” is!

In that devotion I reminded us of the Scriptures warning that “bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Based upon what the Lord has continued to bring in front of me I felt led to go a step further…

13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6)

Again this is not telling us not to associate with those that think differently than us (if that were the case how could we follow out the great commission to reach them?) This is simply a great reminder to be very careful who you are “yoked” with. WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES YOKED MEAN?
While I was in the Dominican Republic a few months ago I actually got to see this word picture in action. There was a farmer in the field with his oxen yoked together plowing the field. There was a definite plan and direction for the team of oxen to go – the yoke kept them going in the same direction in which the farmer was leading them.

So what is a modern “yoke”? Who are your best friends? Who are you dating? Who is your business partner? Make choices based upon who is the best teammate…

Great teammates have the same goals and listen to the same coach. Are those close to you making you stronger? Are you making them stronger? If you are going to stick your neck in a “yoke” with someone make sure you are both listening/letting God lead. When “yoked” even if one of you wants to stray the other will keep you on course.

This week is not about conference affiliations but instead friendship or teammate affiliations!

September 12, 2011 - My Stupid Son

2011-09-12T14:47:00.000-04:00

Back a few months ago, before my son Clay had his knee injury, he was playing for an AAU travel team called the Carolina Surge. It was a great honor for Clay to be a part of that team as it put him in position to play a lot of highly-scouted tournaments. It also gave him the opportunity to be coached by some great guys that truly care about him. (Thanks Larry, Jeff, Harry) During the tryout for the team Clay was very aggressive and showed the things the coaches were looking for. He played very strong. I remember the joy he had when he found out that he was a member of the Surge. Clay’s injury came during their third tournament I believe; and to be honest it came at a time when Clay’s playing time was dwindling a bit. It wasn’t dwindling because he was not talented. It wasn’t dwindling because he had a bad attitude. It was dwindling because he was being stupid! I know, I know…that doesn’t sound politically correct; but truth is truth. The question is why I would go as far as saying my own son was being stupid? And why would I bring it up now after he has been out of commission for the last 5 months? First the answer to the second question: I think he is far enough along now to not have this be adding insult to injury. Instead I think now it can be a great learning experience for him, and for us. Now to the first question: why call him stupid? I will start by saying that it has nothing to do with his knowledge of the game. He has a very strong basketball I.Q. Years ago I wrote about Clay in one of the weekly devotions when he had played a game against a very athletic team, ran the point, and had no turnovers. Yet that particular game he simply tried to stay out of trouble by doing a lot of East-West movement on the court instead of attacking North-South. Basically I called out Clay (and ultimately believers in Christ) to stop being passive and do what we are called on to do! In the case of Clay’s time with the Surge, he had made the team by being a threat offensively. He caught the coaches’ eyes by being aggressive. Yet in the tourneys leading up to his injury he had resigned himself to being a facilitator for his teammates and not being aggressive. It is great to facilitate for others, but one also has to fill his role. So why do I call that stupid? Clay’s coaches were regularly telling him to be more aggressive. They were telling him to create more; to penetrate more; to shoot more… Again his attitude was pretty good toward the coaches, but he simply was not doing what they were asking of him. To know what a coach wants and to ignore it is stupid. To willfully not obtain he coach’s favor is stupid. (On a positive note – I think his time being laid up with the injury has a bit of a fire of aggression burning inside of him… - I am looking forward to seeing him back out on the court.) Now on to the spiritual application… Why are we so stupid? We know what God has asked/commanded of us, yet we willfully ignore it. Did you know that God calls that stupid? Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. The literal phrase from Hebrew indicates a word picture of “stupid as a cow.” It goes on in the next verse to mention that “a good man obtains favor from the Lord” – just as a good player finds favor from his coach. You see playing time is showing a coach’s favor. Therefore dwindling playing time generally means a loss of favor. God wants you “in the game”! He wants to use you. Yet we need to study and apply His Word to our lives, and stop being stupid!

September 4, 2011 - Go TEAM!

2011-09-05T20:11:00.000-04:00

Last week I wrote about the idea of playing on the road. I talked about loving to stand out in the crowd – in the “enemy’s” territory. I talked about the challenge my kids are having with changing from the Christian school they attended to the public school. (I talked about the stolen items, vulgar language, and simply different atmosphere they are in. Add to that the drug bust that went down a few days ago…)

In review I talked about the importance for us as a church to be willing to make a difference in the world. I concluded the devotion as follows:
“Church, my prayer is the same for you. I am thankful for the time we can be on the home court and be encouraged by other believers. Yet the season has to include “away games” if we want to be the salt and light that Jesus called us to be.
Church, stand strong and stand out!”

Since the writing of last week’s devotion, I have had many things run through my mind. I have been reminded of my job as a parent to help encourage and pray for my kids. Not only was there the drug bust at the middle school, my 1st grader hit some rough days of missing momma and missing Bible class. But the one line that hit me hardest was from my 8th grader who simply stated it would be nice to at least have one friend to go through this with.

Then it hit me. One of the reasons I loved going into the opponent’s gym was because I knew my teammates had my back and still do! (Thanks, Mark, JJ, etc.) There is a confidence when you know you are part of a team.
So this week I want to first ask you to pray for my kids that they will find “teammates” that have their backs at school. I pray the same for you – whether it be at school or at work. Yet I also remind you that those that you count as your “inner circle” of friends should have the same goals as you. It has to be someone that has your back and will build you up in Christ – not tear you down.

1 Corinthians 15: 33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

Christianity is meant to be a “team sport.”

Ecclesiastes 4: 9 Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

We are supposed to have one another’s backs.

Hebrews 10: 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Did you get that? Our faithfulness is directly linked with our team concept of working together.

Go TEAM!

August 29, 2011 - Stand Strong and Stand Out!

2011-08-29T07:16:00.000-04:00

Often times we hear of the home court advantage a team has. We think of the thrill of playing in front of our fans. We love that the crowd is behind us – on our side. It is encouraging to feel accepted. There is also a feeling of safety to be on one’s own turf…

Yet when I think back to my playing days I find that the place that comes to mind for me is not the home court but instead a gym where I can remember cheers when I messed up and jeers when I did well. To me it was really cool to have the crowd “against” me. It meant that I stood out as a player.

This is on my mind due to the fact that 4 of our kids have returned to public school. It is not that the Christian school kids were perfect but it was definitely a different atmosphere. In just 2 days at the public school both of my middle school boys have had items stolen; both have mentioned the incredibly vulgar discussions they hear in the hallways; there has even been a bit of bullying…

The initial thought is that they need to be back on their home court. Yet as I dig into Scripture I am reminded of Christ words that we are not of the world but we are in the world. I am reminded of His charge to be salt and light in the world. We are charged to make a difference. (See Matthew 5 and John 17)

I asked the kids last night during family devotions some simple questions. We were sitting in a brightly lit room and I asked what difference it would make if I lit a candle? Would that light stand out? What if we turned out all the lights and then I lit the candle? Then would the candle stand out?

I am very thankful that the Lord allowed my kids the time at the Christian school. It was a great addition to our training in the Word, while being a fantastic education. If I had the money they would probably still be there. Yet I am also thankful for the opportunity for my kids to be “lights” in their present schools. My prayer is that they stand strong and stand out. If there are jeers from the crowd count that as a badge of honor!

Church, my prayer is the same for you. I am thankful for the time we can be on the home court and be encouraged by other believers. Yet the season has to include “away games” if we want to be the salt and light that Jesus called us to be.

Church, stand strong and stand out!

August 22, 2011 - That's my boy!

2011-08-22T12:55:00.000-04:00

One of the most incredible feelings one can have is to watch his kids playing sports. It is amazing how focused we become upon every move they make on the court/field. It is heartbreaking when things don’t go right for them. It is exhilarating when things go well. (And sometimes we catch ourselves living vicariously through them…)

But let’s face it, we love to see our kids succeed. I thought about this Friday night. We were not at a basketball game but instead at a concert. Clay (my oldest) and I were treated to a Hillsong United concert; a concert of extreme praise and worship, with thousands in attendance singing, shouting, and raising their hands.

As I found myself simply overwhelmed with the beautiful outpouring of praise to our God, I began simply looking around the arena. There were hands up everywhere, yet my eyes continued to be drawn back to one place – my own son. How incredible to see him praising God! How incredible to know he was willing to show that!

Don’t get me wrong I was moved by the thousands of teens I saw praising; but one caught my eye! He didn’t need a number on his jersey for me to know who he was. I found myself praying for him during the concert – that he would “play well” in the “game of life.” I found myself wanting to cheer him on as we lifted up our voices to the Savior.

First this week: are you cheering your kids on spiritually? Is their spiritual walk as important to you as their game performances?

Secondly, I couldn’t help thinking about the fact that I am a child of God. Just as I could pick out my son’s hands in the midst of the crowd, He also is intimately and intricately involved in my life! He hurts when I hurt; He is excited when I do well; God is my biggest fan!!!!!!!

I think of Matthew chapter 6 where we are told not to worry because God is on our side. I think of Romans 8 that tells us that we have been adopted by God and that nothing can separate us from the love of God. I think of Psalm 68 that tells us that He is a father to the fatherless.

One of my favorite verses: Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

How incredible to know that God Almighty is notices us – not just when we do wrong but more importantly when we do right! To know He is present in the stands cheering, “That’s my boy!”

August 15, 2011 - You are in the game!

2011-08-15T13:08:00.000-04:00

Over the past I have heard many people, myself included, make reference to Christians that are “on the bench” and need to “get in the game.” Obviously I understand the analogy; I have used it and written about it. Yet as I was preaching this weekend something hit me – it is not a good analogy.

To say that someone is “on the bench” is stating that that person cannot accomplish anything. A person on the bench is powerless to affect the game… A person on the bench can simply use the excuse, “I need to rest” or “I am not any good” or “I screwed up when I was in there”….

The simple truth of the matter is you are “in the game”! The “game” is life. You are dressed out and on the court. You have opportunities to affect the game. You even have a coach that has diagrammed plays for you (See Ephesians 2:10).

Unfortunately there are far too many Christians that believe “playing the game” is just about avoiding turnovers (mistakes) and fouls (sin). Therefore their Christian lives consist of standing still on the court. Their stat lines are reading zeroes across the board. (Granted a zero in the turnover column can be a great stat, unless it is a result of lack of aggressive play.)

The Scriptures that got my mind spinning on this are 1 Corinthians 15:58 and 1 Thessalonians 4:10.

1 Corinthians 15: 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4: 9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;

Many Christians are good at being “steadfast and immovable” – yet we ignore the exhortation to be “always abounding” and “to increase more and more.” There is a directive to be active!

In the words of John Wooded: “Move, move, move…”

I think of yelling at players to not let the paint dry under their feet in the lane. I think of asking players if they are wearing cement shoes because they don’t seem to be able to move.

In order to play the game successfully players must be actively moving on court/field. And ultimately it has to result in good ball movement (spreading the Gospel)!!!!!!!!

You are in the game! It is time to get moving!

August 8, 2011 - A Blessed Man

2011-08-08T23:12:00.000-04:00

I love playing hoops! I love coaching hoops! I love preaching and teaching!

To those of you that know me you are now thinking, “Duh!” Yet stick with me. I am a blessed man to get to do things I love.

As a kid we often hear adults say things like, “If you put your mind to it you can be anything you want to be.” Well I don’t want to burst anyone’s bubble but this isn’t true!

As a trainer I often deal with unrealistic expectations. In sports there is a genetic ceiling on how fast someone can be or how high he can jump. No matter how hard he trains if the genetics don’t match the guy next to him he simply will not be faster or jump higher.

I am not saying this to ruin dreams; in fact far from it. I often tell players that the goal is to look in the mirror at the end of the day and simply know you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming. (John Wooden’s definition of success) I warn them of the pain of regret that comes from not giving one’s all to pursue dreams.

Sometimes I get players that are almost assured of a lot of playing time if they go to a lower division college but instead choose the harder route that may mean bench time; yet they want to know they gave it a shot. Sometimes an athletic career is derailed by an injury. Etc.

Now to why this is on my mind…

A few days ago a 5th grader looked at me and said, “ Coach Todd, if you could do anything you wanted to do what would it be?” What a great opportunity to share with this kid!

I responded by saying, “Bobby, I would play hoops with guys like you and tell them about Jesus. This is what I chose to do.”

You see, it doesn’t matter how hard I train this 45 year old body, I am not going to play in the NBA. No, I cannot be anything I want to be; but I can be everything God wants me to be.

God wants me to:
• Love Him and to Love others as myself (See Luke 10:27)
• Pursue what is good not only for myself but also for everyone else (See 1 Thessalonians 5:15)
• Be salt and light in this world (See Matthew 5:13-14)
• And obviously the list could go on…

The point is that we should be pursuing God and pursuing people more than we are pursuing riches! Life is short make it count! Be all God wants you to be!

August 1, 2011 - The Missing Piece

2011-08-01T14:20:00.000-04:00

Often times during the off-season we hear talk of teams trying to fill in the “missing piece” that will make them a contender. Every team analyzes the players they have and tries to determine what will give them not only the complete physical package needed but also team chemistry.

The same is true with the body of Christ. All believers are gifted and should be filling their roles on the “team.” Yet also there needs to be team chemistry. That is where my thoughts are today. If we do not take the time to make sure our attitudes are right then we will not properly fill our roles.

The thoughts actually started while I was on the road this past week. We drove by many church signs and I saw many clever marquee statements. But the thing that jumped out at me was the name of one church: “The Missing Peace.”

What a clever name and what a true problem that many have. I truly believe that one of the greatest problems in the church is a lack of peace in believers. When Christ was preparing to leave the earth He made many promises of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. We have numerous places that we see the promises of the Holy Spirit indwelling us and sealing us as believers. Yet still there are many very uptight people that tear down team chemistry. Have you ever noticed there is a lot of bickering going on in churches? Makes it kind of hard to follow through with that “they’ll know you by your love for one another” stuff that Christ talked about doesn’t it?

So if the Holy Spirit is the Comforter; and if He indwells in us; then why are we so uptight?
Two reasons for the lack for team chemistry:

• First is that we are “grieving the Spirit” by allowing sin in our lives. Think about it. The Holy Spirit is with us everywhere we go; He sees everything we watch; He hears everything we listen to… Do you really think God is amused or entertained by the things you watch, read, talk about, and listen to? Read Ephesians chapter 4 today! [Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.]
• Second is that we “quench the Spirit” by not following through with the things He is prompting us to do. And no I am not just talking about plugging in to more church programs. I am talking about those daily opportunities to reach out to friends, co-workers, other students, neighbors, etc. 1 Thessalonians 5 tells us to “pursue what is good” not only for ourselves but also for others and follows that up with the following command: [5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.]

Simply put, the Spirit cannot fulfill His role of comforting us if we are constantly grieving Him or quenching His work. When He feels uneasy, we feel uneasy.

Just maybe our lack of peace is just a politically correct way of saying we are under conviction… You and I will not be the missing pieces that help the team if we are missing peace!

July 25, 2011 - Follow the Leader!

2011-07-25T11:34:00.000-04:00

As I type this morning I am sitting in Indiana, getting ready to drive the rest of the way to St Louis, MO. I will spend the week conducting some basketball clinics and then sharing the Word during a youth retreat. It is going to be a great and fun time yet one also that is physically demanding. When we do clinics we do not just tell campers what to do; we also show them what to do. When I am talking about a proper basketball stance I tell them, “I want you bent down straight up!” it means nothing to them until I (or one of my boys) gets our knees bent, butt down, back straight, and head up.

• When I talk the campers about footwork it requires not only telling them how to step and slide but actually showing them by getting bent down straight up and staying low as I step and slide across the floor.
• When I talk to them about ball handling it requires that I show them how to stay bent down straight up to stay agile and explosive.
• When I talk shooting I get bent down straight up and thus create power from my legs and hips…
• I think you are getting the picture of the proper posture for how to play the game.

And after I have shown the players how to do these things, I expect them to imitate it or basically “follow the leader.”

Likewise there is a proper posture for living the Christian life. John 1:14 tells us that when Christ (the Word) took on flesh and came to live with us that we “beheld his glory.” This word beheld, according to Merrill Tenney in his expository on the book of John, has as its root meaning that of the theatre. In other words it is Christ showing us for us how this thing called life is done. His life gives us a full view of how God lives; thus how we should live. Through the Scriptures, especially the Gospels, we can be the audience that takes it all in.

In John we see Christ as:

• an evangelist – as He lovingly shares grace and truth with Nicodemus
• a human rights advocate – as He lovingly reach out to the outcast Samaritan woman
• a servant – as He lovingly washes the disciples dirty feet
• and ultimately a sacrificial Savior – as He lovingly went to the cross in our place

We read His words like in John 12:47 where he says “..I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.”

We see a picture of the God-man that lived His life bent down straight up. He consistently was bent down before the Father with the attitude of obedience and doing the Father’s will. He was consistently bent down before others in servanthood (thus being the example mentioned in Philippians 2 where we are told to consider others as more important than ourselves.) He was consistently straight up with eyes focused on the Father and the completion of His commissioned task to be the Savior. (That makes the words “it is finished” oh so sweet!) He was consistently straight up with eyes looking up to and making others around Him feel important as He served them. If you read the book of John remembering that this is the God-man, the Christ, that is lovingly reaching out in this way it will blow you away.

As the audience that gets to “behold” this, it leads us to Christ’s challenge at the end of the book. In chapter 21 we read the epilogue of this incredible journey. Christ has been crucified as the perfect lamb to pay for our sin. Christ has risen again as the victorious Savior that offers us new life through faith in Him. Now in chapter 21 He is meeting with his disciples and fellowshipping with them and has the famous encounter with Peter where He asks Peter 3 times if he loves Christ.

Then Christ gives Peter, the other disciples, and ultimately us some very basic directions, “Follow Me.” Christ was not saying to them to try to go up in the clouds with Him. He was saying in essence:

“Ok Boys, you have been the audience that beheld my glory for these years. You have seen how I acted, how I lived, how I served, how I loved. You have heard me offer grace and truth – salvation through belief. I have not only provided salvation but also given a demonstration of how to live. So follow Me! Act like Me! Live like Me! Serve like Me! Love like Me!”

Simple conclusion this week to the devo: do you love Christ? If so then you need to have a life that is bent down straight up. You need to observe how Christ lived and imitate that. You (and I) need to “follow the leader.”

July 18, 2011 - Ironman

2011-07-18T09:49:00.000-04:00

This past week I decided to start some dieting and working out. Simply put I am way out of shape and feel like crud often! My dilemma is always right in front of me, literally. Men tend to carry their extra weight in the belly, which in turns creates an enormous amount of pressure on the knees due to weight displacement. (I have been told by a medical professional that every pound extra in the belly creates 4 pounds of pressure on the knees.) All of this has created a difficult task for me in working out due to already having bad knees.

Therefore I decided I needed to do an initial weight loss push before I could truly pour into any working out. So I went for 3 days with only fruit and vegetable juices and then worked in a little bit of solids over the next few days (i.e. salads, a piece of chicken, etc.) although there was some discomfort, especially day 2 and 3, I was able to get a jump start on my plans to shed unwanted pounds and get back in shape. And the beauty of it has been that most of the pounds I dropped seemed to have been from the belly!

Yet now the hard part begins. With a commitment to eat right and workout, I am now faced with knowing that there will be quite a bit of discomfort heading my way. My knees are going to swell; my back is going to hurt; my stomach is going to growl; etc.

I can’t help but think of the great Hebrews 12 passage that tells us that we should “lay aside every weight”, or as the Message puts it, “Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat...”

Yet let’s face it. We all know this to be true. We all make these types of commitments, often to see them go by the wayside. We all need accountability, encouragement, a kick in the behind, etc.

My initial “kick” came yesterday. I had returned home from church and had a couple hours to work with on getting some things done at the house before going on to our next destination. So I turned on the TV for some background noise and there it was – the Ironman Competition from Hawaii. This is an amazing athletic endurance event. Ironman events consist of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2 mile marathon run. As I watched the frontrunners push their bodies to amazing limits it was mind-boggling. (The new video capabilities can zoom in and isolate muscle groups in super slow motion. You could see the incredible amount of stress their bodies could withstand.) And then to see the top athletes crossing the finish line and the joy that accompanied their victories was great - yet not necessarily all that motivating to me. It is easy to watch that sort of thing and think things like: “They probably haven’t been through 4 knee surgeries.”; “Their bodies are built for endurance work.”; etc.

Then the reality started setting in as the show switched to not the frontrunners but instead those that were overcoming major obstacles. There was the guy that had fought prostate cancer over the last couple of years; the lady that did the marathon portion in a walking boot, having just got off crutches two weeks prior due to a stress fracture; the 66-yr-old lady; the 80-yr-old man that uses these competitions as his personal health-check; the guy that had a bad wreck in the biking portion but still forced himself to walk the marathon portion; the convict/ex-drug addict that just a couple years ago was in the pen; etc. All of these folks didn’t just compete - they finished the event in the allotted time. And the most amazing thing was watching the winners of the event meeting the final contestants and congratulating them as they finished. The crowd was cheering as loudly for those at the end as they did for those at the beginning. It was a beautiful (and yes I admit tear-jerking) event.

All of that to remind us this week that life is not a competition with others. It is about faithful perseverance and endurance for the Lord. It is about continual growth – finishing the race that is set before us. The Scriptures are full of reminders of these truths:

James 1: 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (Patience is often translated steadfastness or endurance)

Romans 5: 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Colossians 1: 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

James 5: 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure…

It is time for me, for us, to be part of the spiritual Ironman circuit! (and to take care of physical business as well…)

July 11, 2011 - Industriousness

2011-07-11T20:37:00.000-04:00

As coaches, we obviously always want success for our teams/players. We plan practices and workout sessions to help them; we talk with them about goals and how to obtain them; we cheer them on; we challenge them; we rebuke them; we cool them down; we fire them up; etc.

Simply put, coaches have a responsibility to hold players accountable to their personal goals and also the team goals. We have the responsibility of showing them that “success is peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” (John Wooden)

I highly recommend John Wooden’s writings, especially his book that he co-authored with Jay Carty – Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. It lays out many building blocks in one’s life to focus on that are based upon Biblical principles.

To be honest this is on my mind for two reasons.

• The book is laying on my desk
• My oldest son turns 16 today and coaching is much like parenting…

I find it a huge task to “coach” my kids. Therefore in honor of Clay’s birthday I share point number one from the pyramid:

Industriousness:
• In other words – hard work! “There is no substitute for work. Worthwhile results come from hard work and careful planning.” (Wooden)
• “Most people have a tendency to look for shortcuts or at least for the easiest way to complete any given task.” (Wooden)
• “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” (God; Proverbs 21:5)

To those reading this and especially my son,

Take heed to the truths that are found here. We could also find many places in the Proverbs that discuss the importance of finding wisdom!

July 4, 2011 - An Elbow For An Elbow

2011-07-04T11:01:00.000-04:00

As I hosted a few boys this past week for a hoops/discipleship camp, I was reminded of some of the reasons I felt so strongly about using sports as a ministry platform. Over and over again I had “teachable moments” based upon their actions and reactions to our drills and competitions. On one particular day of the camp I was reminded of my life in sports – more specifically my attitude in sports when growing up.

We live in a society where we are taught “don’t get mad, get even.” And that carries over often to the playing arena. I remember often having encounters where I lived by the motto “an eye for an eye; an elbow for an elbow!” And usually in my mind that meant a much stronger elbow to prove my point. (At times it was so severe, even after I was supposed to be maturing, that I had to write about it in confession in these devotions.)

As I gave instruction this week to players that were over-aggressive on the defensive end, I heard responses like, “Well, that is how he is playing…” I then had to remind the players that we do not base our play on others but instead on what is right and true.

(Some of you reading this are probably still at the “elbow for an elbow” point of the devotion and saying, “Amen!”)

This week’s theme for the camp was: “In Your Face!” As a coach I have to at times say things that are uncomfortable for the players and this devotion is no exception. We are called to be a peculiar people – different from the way the world lives. And on this day that we celebrate our freedom as a nation, let me remind you of our freedom as believers to serve and honor Christ.
Simply put we can go to the Scriptures and know exactly the answer to the question of What Would Jesus Do?

First in Matthew 5:38-42 He totally refutes the “eye for an eye” mentality. He tells us to do the exact opposite. He basically shows us that our responsibility has nothing to do with the person on the other side but everything to do with what is right and true. He even goes as far as to saying dogmatically to give to those who ask you. He never tells us to first determine if they are acting right or even going to do right with what we give them.

We need to stop being “get even” people and start being peculiar “giving and serving” people. We have spent far too long living the “elbow for an elbow” approach! We have spent far too long living with the “looking out for number 1” mentality! We have spent far too long justifying our lack of giving by judging what the recipient will do with it.

[A simple example is when we see a homeless person asking for money. We automatically go into our justification mode for not helping. “He is probably going to buy booze or cigarettes.” “She is just going to support her drug habit.” “Why doesn’t he spend this time looking for a job.”]
What if I said that is an unbiblical approach? (Feel free to comment back on the blog if you think so.) I believe Jesus Himself sets an amazing and convicting example with His life’s actions….

As He met with the disciples at the Last Supper, the Scriptures share with us that a few things are happening:

• The disciples are arguing over who is the greatest.
• Jesus rises from the dinner table and serves them by washing their feet.
• Merrill C Tenney wrote about the disciples, “They were willing to fight for a throne but not for a towel.” What a great picture of their lack of servanthood.
• And at this point Jesus knows His betrayer is present and who He is!

Don’t miss this! I have read this passage many, many times and this jumped out at me yesterday. Jesus knew Judas had wrong motives. Jesus knew Judas was getting ready to betray him. Yet in full knowledge of this, Jesus still washed Judas’ feet!

Thank God for our freedom!
• Our freedom to serve others; to give to others
• Our freedom to not worry about getting even (there is a perfect referee in Heaven to take care of that)
• Our freedom to not have to figure out other peoples motives or live our lives based upon other people’s actions

Let’s simply live by what is right and true. Let’s play the game the right way!!!!!

(Side note: I watched a great documentary on the Harlem Rens; a pro basketball squad from the early 1900’s when basketball was still totally segregated. I found it very interesting and exciting to hear how these young men handled themselves amidst great adversity. Over and over it was mentioned how they showed dignity and class when threatened, stabbed with hair pins, having cigars put out on their bodies, being turned away from hotels because they were black, etc. Yet they simply went about their business as ambassadors of the game of basketball – breaking down walls of prejudice and injustice. These guys were peculiar. Oh to be that motivated as ambassadors for Christ!)

June 27, 2011 - The Love of the Game

2011-06-27T11:32:00.000-04:00

The Love of the Game

I often hear that phrase used, yet what does it truly mean? Many people enjoy sports; participate in sports, watch sports; etc. Yet the “love of the game” goes beyond that.

I often have my son tell me that he has dreamed about playing. I see him walking into a store and pantomiming making a move with the basketball or going up for a dunk. The game truly consumes his thinking much of the time. (One of his friends has a tattoo with a ball and wedding rings that says “married to the game.”)

It is like falling in love. Keith Urban describes that type of love by saying:

“I wanna put you in a song.” He goes on to say,
“It'd be so easy I'd just write it from my heart
'Cause I gotta tell the world what you mean to me
Wrap you up in a melody so you'll be
Stuck in my head all day
'Cause you're already there anyway…”

Do you get that? True love creates a continual focus and passion for something. It creates not only thoughts that consume one’s mind but also words that spill forth from one’s mouth – to “tell the world.”

Is that how you feel about Christ? Is that how I feel about Christ?

I think that is what He was getting at in John chapter 4 when He told the Samaritan woman that “true worshippers” will “worship in spirit and in truth.” He tells her that it doesn’t take place on the mountain top or in Jerusalem (or in a church building), but in one’s spirit – a daily consuming worship.

Do you (and I) think about the Lord throughout our days? Does He consume not only our thoughts but also cause us to “tell the world”?

Psalm 40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

Oh to love the Savior more than we love the game (life)!!!!!

Summer/Fall 2011 News... (and requests)

2011-06-22T10:42:00.002-04:00

Hello Team - we are fully engaged into the summer/fall schedule and have many things lined up - as I type this I am sitting in Dayton, OH - Clay is watching and taking notes at a Jason Otter Point Guard Elite Camp - it is killing him to sit out with this injury but I have to say he is handling it well and the Jason Otter staff is treating him incredibly! - he is getting some good time with Trevor Huffman (of Kent State fame) and a couple of current college players that helping - Lisa is home with the other 4 kids and trying to get everything ready for the tip-off of our ROCK'em Road Trips for the summer

Next week we will host a handful of middle school age players for 5 days; and then in just a few few weeks I will hit the road with 8-10 hs age players to the midwest... - much training (court and Word), much service, much fun! - please pray for thes young men as I plan to get up in their faces a bit and challenge them to honor God in all they do!

Beginning next week is a weekly afternoon free hoops clinic we will be conducting in Mooresville, NC on our church's back lot - we just worked with a group from Winston-Salem for 3 days there and saw around 20 kids per day on the court and under the Word! (We were able to see multiple kids make professions of faith in Christ under the preachign/teaching of my good friend Michael Swink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I am also serving as a transitional pastor at a church in Cleveland, NC while they look for a pastor; trying to keep up with our weekly devotions to post on the web (we are halfway through our 10th year of this); and we are looking to take on students for our Home School Hoops outreach that we are doing in our driveway!

On top of all of this I am coordinating our Fall schedule of missions - in September I am scheduled to attend the Youth Evangelism Association Annual Conference (of which I am a board member); I also was slated to make a trip to Trinidad for surveying future work (this one is up in the air); Lisa, Clay, and I are all scheduled to be in the Dominican Repuublic in October to conduct a sports festival and youth rally where I have full reign to share the Gospel! - there is expected to be 200-300 kids at this festival/rally; many that will hear the clear Gospel message for the first time!!!!!!!!!! - following this is a request to return to the Czech Republic in November - we have located a missionary there that we will be meeting with to set up proper follow-up on the kids we reach - I am also working on ideas for a high school hoops jamboree that we will sponsor..., a request to plan a time in Peru, etc. etc.

All of this hopefully lets you see how vital your prayers are for us; and how vital your help financially will be

Please pray for each of the outreaches we have mentioned and for the financial state of InBounds Ministries - it is amazing how God has supplied our needs over the 4 years of full-time service with InBounds - and as you can see there are many financial needs with all the travel ahead of us, equipment that is needed, still a need for a trailer, etc - on top of this Lisa has basically been working for free to help maintain the administrative side of things and my prayer is that eventually she will be a paid member of staff - to be specific we need to raise around $30,000 to finish out 2011 strong - (this number includes the regular monthly giving from our supporters) - I can assure you we keep our budget as small/tight as possible

Will you please pray and consider giving at this crucial time of outreach? We need your help and these kids/adults need the Gospel!!!!!!!!

Also pray for the outreach in Indianapolis that Matt and Rebekah are heading up - they are incredibly faithful to the cause of Christ and take much of their little free time to make a difference!

June 20, 2011 - ELITE

2011-06-20T15:16:00.000-04:00

I am sitting in a parking lot in Dayton Ohio; listening to the rain pour down on the roof of my van; and thinking about some things I heard this morning as my son began 4 days of Point Guard Elite Camp. (Many of you know that Clay has just had major knee surgery. Don't worry he is just observing and taking notes. Although I think he is probably shedding a few tears inwardly...)

This camp is quite impressive. There is a pre-requisite of being a previous camper/student and the word "elite" is emphasized in many ways. The first way i saw it was in reading the rules for the players that are staying at the hotel. There is a very high standard set for behavior and the result of breaking the rules - immediate dismissal. To basically quote them: "This is an elite camp and we expect elite behavior."

During the intros this morning (that the parents were allowed to sit in on) this idea continued to emerge. There were:

* Questions like: "What is it that sets you apart?" This was referring to when you are on the floor with great athletes and you need a skill set that makes you stand out.

* Statements like: "It's not where you start but where you finish." - "You don't get here talking about it."

* Challenges like: "You don't have to see a trainer every day." Followed by the reasoning that personal accountability to get better is mandatory.

All of this with kids from all over the midwest, souteast, etc. whose parents have sacrificed to have them here. Even though Clay cannot participate this week I still have expectations of him learning and being motivated to be his best. If I am going to spend time and money to bring him then I expect "elite" effort and commitment as a result. That is reasonable!

For those of us that are believers in Christ, hasn't God given us a lot? Duh! We have freely received salvation through the finished work of the Son He gave. (Remember John 3:16?) HE has blessed us with so much. And yet we constantly seem to need a kick in the pants to remember that He deserves "elite" commitment in our Christian lives.

Luke 12:48 tells us that if we have received much then musch is required.

* So what is it that sets you apart? Scripturally it should be your attitude (See the Fruit of the Spirit) which is directed by 2 things: love for God and love for others - that is shown via service to others. (See the devo from June 6, 2011)
* Where will you finish? We all start as sinners! (Romans 3:23) Heaven vs Hell is based upon God's grace, solely through our faith, or lack thereof, in the finished work of Christ, not of works! (John 3:18, 36) Yet in the end for believers there is a judgement for reward based upon faithful service....
* You don't need a trainer every day! For us it can be reworded: You need to do more that see a trainer just on Sundays and maybe Wednesdays. You have a personal responsibility to daily be in the Word yourself. No excuses, get better!

ELITE: considered to be the finest...

June 13, 2011 - It's Your Time

2011-06-13T10:21:00.000-04:00

Well the NBA Finals have come to a close and the Dallas Mavericks shocked the world with their defeat of the Miami Heat. From a basketball coaches perspective, the Mavs were very fun to watch as they demonstrated beautiful teamwork on the offensive and defensive ends; and also had some incredible individual strength shown in many of their players.

The Heat on the other hand were different. Although their amazing athleticism provided multiple highlight reel moments, in the end it was clear they are not a team. When they would get bogged down in a half-court offense, they looked like they had no clue what to do or where to go. Dwayne Wade said is most plainly in a post-game news conference when he simply stated that the Mavs were better than the Heat.

The guy that couldn't seem to grasp or understand what had happened is LeBron. His remarks I have read or heard don't give credit to the Mavs for not only their brilliant play but also their brilliant plan to shut him down. He spent much of his press time complaing about the LeBron-haters and acting offended when people point out that he fell short. (His finals numbers are well below his normal averages.)

I have often defended LeBron in conversations with LeBron-haters. The young man has tremendous talent, is a very unselfish player, and is truly a product of living in a world that has not only called him "KIng" but also has for the most part sat him on a king's throne. Yes, he is very arrogant and thinks the world revolves around him. Yet his tweet following last night's loss shows the true picture of where his needs lie:

"The Greater Man upstairs knows when it's my time," James tweeted. "Right now isn't my time."

There are a couple things I would like to point out about this, and granted I am speculating a bit.

1. Calling God "The Greater Man" insinuates that LeBron views himself as a great man - there is that pride that comes before the fall.

2. Saying God knows "when it's my time" insinuates that LeBron feels entitled to a championship ring by God. (Personally I don't think God cares who wins the NBA title - doesn't rank high on His priority list!)

But I will give LeBron his due, God does know when it is his time. And when it is his time the discussion will not be about basketball. It will first be based upon did LeBron ever swallow his pride and realize he is not a great man? Did he ever recognize that his sin has separated him from a holy God? Did he ever realize that there has only been one great man and His name is Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior, the Substitute that God sent into the game of life for LeBron (because Lebron couldn't perform well enough to earn the title of eternal life)? Did he ever accept this Substitute by believing in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Lebron, God does know your time; He loves you so much that in spite of the fact that you fall short (not on the basketball court but in life) He still extends an offer for you to be on His team that was made through the death and resurrection of His Son. You can choose to accept this truth now or face it when it is your time. But do not be mistaken: 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2)

Feel free to insert your name in the place of LeBron's....

June 6, 2011 - The Incredible Shrinking Superstar

2011-06-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

I was reading an article today that called Lebron James the "incredible shrinking superstar." The writer was looking at Lebron's stats so far in the 3 games against the Dallas Mavericks and determined that his stats were not worthy of being called a superstar.

Whether it is sports writers or the average fan, people tend to determine if a player is good based upon if they like or dislike the player as a person. Obviously Lebron is a very polarizing figure. I would say that now he has as many people that disdain him as like him. (I know the sports writers try to make it out that everyone outside of Miami hates him, but his jersey was still thbe number one seller in the NBA this year.) Yet the absurdity of saying Lebron is not good blows my mind (as does the Nowitzki haters saying Dirk is no good; or the Kobe haters saying Kobe is no good; etc.) A players personality does not determine his effectiveness on the court. In Lebrons case, his statistics for the last 6 years straight has been at a level that no other player has matched even for one year.

So back to the present series...

Yes Lebron's numbers are a bit down. Some can be attributed to the fact that Shawn Marion is no slouch on defense. Some can be attributed to the fact that a smart team will go to it greatest mismatches, and although I love Jason Kidd's game - he cannot guard Dwayne Wade! And some can be attributed to playing smart basketball.

One of the things I constantly stress to players I train is to make the simplest play possible. When players are concerned with the showboat plays more than the simple plays they are not near as effective. If you are watching the games you see the Dallas defense heavily shifting toward Lebron when he gets the ball. If basketball recorded assists like hockey does then Lebron's numbers would be beyond superstar status. He is often making the simple skip pass that sets things in motion for the heat. (At least it is the simple pass for a 6'8" monster that sees the whole floor.) Lebron has silently done so much this series that most writers and fans simply do not pick up on.

This is because we highlight the numbers columns of the stat sheets more than the team oriented approach that Lebron is playing. [Even if you think he is an arrogant schmuck - which he very well may be - it doesn't change the fact that he is a dominant force.]

So how is this leading into this week's devotion? Tonight I spoke with a men's group about what it means to be free in Christ. I likened it unto a basketball freelance offense where players have freedom within the rules to make decisions with the basketball.

Lebron has that type of freedom every time the ball is in his hands. His choices can be to be a "superstar" and always rely on his amazing athleticism, score a lot more points, etc. Or he can strive to make the smart team play each time down the floor. (Watch out NBA when he matures even more in the latter approach...)

As Christians we tend to celebrate and look for the "superstar" moments. As a missionary I often hear people's acclaim for trips we take overseas or big events we run. Yet not much is made about the simple things like this past Thursday when Clay saw a 7 yr old boy at the park and decided to do an impromptu little basketball clinic with the kid - and then made sure the boys mom had a Gospel tract in hand.

The point this week is this: we are set free in order to serve one another! (See Galatians 5:13.) We serve Christ by serving others. (See Matthew 25 about when it is we have served Christ.)

I think it is time that we stop waiting for the big "superstar" moments in our service and open our eyes to make the simple play and help meet people's needs on a daily basis - even if it means we will not be listed as a "superstar." In fact I think Biblically the goal is to be a "shrinking superstar." It is not about us but about Christ! (See John 3:30.)

May 30, 2011 - TRUST

2011-05-30T18:12:00.000-04:00

I often work with young men that have aspirations of playing division 1 college ball. Yet in basketball that means that they would have to be among the top 1% of varsity high school players that reach that level. Some of these young men get faced with a very difficult decision: go to a division 1 school, practice hard, and possibly never get playing time - or - go to a lower level school and get a lot of playing time.

There is not a right or wrong answer to this dilemma. These young men have all had a lot of playing time leading up to the collegiate level and there are pros and cons to whichever way they choose. Make no mistake, all players want to play!

For those that take the approach with no promise of playing time, they are convinced that they will work hard, earn the coach's favor, and get their chances. To even be on the team is a major accomplishment and for competitors presents a great challenge.

For all of these players, this dilemma is an indicator that they have worked hard to hone their craft and to prove their worth. Throughout high school and AAU ball they have hoped to catch the eye of coaches/scouts that will offer/entrust to them college scholarships.

Can you imagine receiving an offer like that? What a great feeling!
Well for us as Christians, I have great news! Yesterday as I sat under the preaching/teaching of my dear friend Freddie Coile, I was reminded of a great passage in 1 Thessalonians -

2:4 But as we have been appoved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel...

Did you catch that? The God of the universe has entrusted His Gospel message to us to share with others! How cool is that?

Freddie reminded us that to be "entrusted" with something means that we have a choice on what to do with it - but that the one that entrusts something to us will one day expect us to give an account of how we handled it.

Can you imagine how frustrated a college coach would be if he offered a scholarship to a player and the player then just sat at home watching TV, eating junk food, and being lazy?

Yet most Christians ignore the trust that has been given. I was reading the book "Radical Together" (follow-up to Radical), and a guy is mentioned that could not name one person outside of his family that he had led to Christ. He is then quoted as stating that he had been doing all the "church stuff" but igonoring this sacred trust.

The book goes on to make the following statement: "We don't want to come to the end of our days on earth only to realize that we have had little impact on more people going to heaven."

Yet I need to go back to my friend Freddie. He also reminded us that with a "trust" comes a responsibility to be careful and accurate with the Gospel. We want to make sure we honor the God that has entrusted us by sharing exactly what He intended for us to share...

I encourage each of you to do a couple things:
1. Commit to faithfully share the Gospel of Christ with a lost and dying world.
2. Commit to faithfully share the Gospel clearly! (For help in this take a look at Fredie's website: www.FreddieCoile.org and click on "The Gospel")

I mentioned earlier that all players want to play; I conclude that all Christians should want to share the Gospel with others - it is a sacred trust!

May 23, 2011 - PED's (I Confess)

2011-05-23T18:22:00.000-04:00

The sports news today is filled with stories of PED’s (performance enhancing drugs) – accusations and denials. There is the story of Lance Armstrong being accused by fellow cyclists; the story of ESPN asking professional players how prevalent PED’s are in their respective sports; the obvious baseball controversies; and today even a report from a soccer star about his national team doping…

So why is this so prevalent? Simply put, athlete’s desire to have an edge; to be as strong and as fast as possible; to have more endurance; etc. Although I totally disagree with them illegally gaining an edge, I do understand their motivation.

Therefore this week’s devotion is going to be a short admission of guilt on my part. As a missionary I long to preach the Word with boldness. As a missionary I long to speak the Word with power. As a missionary I long for the endurance to stay the course. Yet I also recognize the incredible battle I have before me. I realize that there is a spiritual battle I am in. I realize my enemy is strong. And ultimately I realize that I am weak.

I have written about this topic before in our weekly devotions but this confession is to remind you and to remind me – I am totally dependent upon a PED for ministry success. This PED is a Performance Enhancing Deity!
Isn’t it amazing that God not only gave us the gift of salvation but He also empowers our walk?

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

And the list could go on and on…

Let’s face it, we are nothing without Him – I confess..

May 16, 2011 - Eliminate the Excess

2011-05-16T19:00:00.000-04:00

I have been reading the book Radical with some of my students and one of the challenges involves finances. Some may wonder why I would even go over stewardship of finances with a bunch of middle school students; after all they don’t have an income stream…

Yet the challenge is not based around how much money one has (or doesn’t have) as much as it is about priorities and distribution. The book deals heavily with how much excess we as the American church spend that corresponds more with the “American dream” than the Biblical ideal.

Very simply put, there are 26,000 kids that will die today of malnutrition or preventable disease. Around 1 billion people are striving to live on less than $1 per day (and another 2 billion on less than $2 per day.) And we as the church spend around $10 billion a year on buildings…

With the students I reminded them of what a difference could be made through simple adjustments. What if we chose for the next year to order water instead of a soft drink or tea, and skipped the french fries. We would be saving as much as many people live on for a day and that could be put toward serving (not to mention the health benefits to us.)

Simply put the goal is to eliminate excess so we can meet needs. It reminded me of something I am sure I have probably written about over the years…

As a basketball trainer I consistently talk to players about wasted motion. Players tend to want to spend way too much time doing things that are getting them nowhere. For instance when a player catches the ball on the wing and faces up to the basket, many times I will see guys put the ball on the floor and take multiple dribbles just to get going. As a trainer/coach I simply want them to pound the ball one time and finish at the rim (with authority!) In other words the main objective is getting to the goal and that requires eliminating some things.

As believers there is no debate that we should be spreading the Gospel and meeting needs of others. It is simply time for us to eliminate some stuff and get “to the goal.”

So what about you? Are you willing to give some things up and give to some needs? Make a plan!

Read Matthew 25:31-40 for a better challenge straight from the mouth of Christ…

May 09. 2011 - Playing to the :00's

2011-05-09T10:21:00.000-04:00

After watching some replays from yesterday’s Lakers/Mavs game I am shocked by the classless ending by a couple of the Lakers’ players – Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum. The Lakers were trailing big in the 4th quarter of an elimination game where the Mavericks were polishing off their 4-game sweep of the 2-time defending NBA champs. In their frustration Odom and Bynum resorted to dirty, cheap shots that simply made them look pathetic. And unfortunately it looks bad on the whole organization.

I am sure we will soon hear of the fines/suspensions that will be levied against these 2 players. Their coach has stated that he “wasn’t happy” with how these guys got ejected from the game; yet went on to almost excuse them by stating, “It was unnecessary, but I know they were frustrated.” Are you kidding me? The word “but” has no place in the conversation! It was unnecessary.

Others have called these players and the overall lack of effort from the team as a whole an “embarrassment.” I have already been seeing remarks like “I ain’t going out like the Lakers!” Jan Hubbard of CBS Sports likened the Lakers unto an “aging boxer – confused, flailing, and beaten.”
We often hear about the importance of a first impression; yet the last impression speaks volumes as well. John Wooden talked often about winning and losing with class.

In 2 Timothy 4 the Apostle Paul is warning Timothy that he needs to “endure afflictions.” (vs. 5) He goes on to then give his personal testimony/valedictory – his “swan song.” He explains that his life has not been easy – he calls it a “fight”; he then likens it unto a “race”; then he says it: “I have kept the faith!” Paul is going to walk out of life’s arena with his head held high!

And then he realizes what awaits is not fines/suspensions but instead reward – the “crown of righteousness.”

In hoops I call this “playing to the :00’s” and “busting it to the buzzer.” We need to realize that our actions affect the team. People are watching (the stands are full.) Let’s focus on the “necessary” and avoid the “unnecessary”!!!!!!

May 2, 2011 - It's the playoffs Y'all - time to step up!

2011-05-02T21:03:00.000-04:00

One of the things I have disliked about the NBA in the past is the players that would readily admit that they played harder during the playoffs than in the regular season. I just couldn’t understand why they would not give their all during every game they step on the floor. Yet as I get older I understand a bit more about what they are saying…

They are not saying that they do not try during the regular season but instead that they understand the need to pace themselves and the position themselves to be mentally and physically ready when the stakes raise in the playoffs. The simple truth of the matter is that once they hit the playoffs the end is near. Once they hit the playoffs every opponent is a strong opponent. Once they hit the playoffs it is a battle!

In this crazy world we live in we need to understand some simple truths. First is that every day we are closer to the end. Second is that our opponent is strong and ruthless (you know “lion…roaming…seeking…devour!) Therefore we are in a battle!

The book of Romans gives a very straight forward challenge:

Romans 13: 11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

13: 11-14But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! (The Message)

In other words, spiritually speaking, it’s the playoffs y’all. It is time to step up!

April 25, 2011 - Rise To The Challenge!

2011-04-25T21:33:00.000-04:00

If it is true that suffering and trials produces character and strength then my son Clay should turn out to be quite a man! He has faced a lot this school year, but this past weekend topped it all off.

Clay loves basketball and has been blessed as of late to be playing for the Carolina Surge, a traveling showcase team. This team is scheduled to play in NCAA certified tourneys in front of many college scouts.

They were playing in their third tourney of the year this past weekend at Clemson University. (The team did great, winning the 16U division. Way to go Surge!) Yet Clay’s highlight reel consisted of around 1 minute of play ending with his knee giving out on him on a fast break and him rolling to the floor in agony.

This morning we went to see the orthopedic surgeon to hear the news that Clay’s anterior cruciate ligament is torn. This means he will have surgery; will miss the rest of his AAU season; will miss the beginning of his junior season; etc. It is an expected 8 month recovery.

Rehab is going to be very difficult. It will at times be frustrating. It will be slow. Yet the end goal of being back on the floor to play ball will spur him on! (I have had 4 knee surgeries. After the first 2 I worked very hard toward my recovery because I was looking forward to playing again. After the last 2 I didn’t work very hard, at times even cheating on my sets, because I had no goal of competitive ball.) I am sure Clay will circle a time on his calendar to be ready to suit up again.

You see when we are truly excited about something it motivates us. Clay will faithfully put forth effort. He will rise to the challenge.

Yesterday we celebrated the resurrection of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! What a glorious day of the year it is. Not just because of how amazing it is but also because of what it means to us. I spent time preaching from 1 Corinthians 15 about the relevance of the resurrection. It is our hope. It is our assurance. It is our victory.

In that passage the Apostle Paul defends the resurrection via eye witnesses and changed lives; he logically lays out the importance of the resurrection; and he turns into a cheerleader that reminds us of victory! Then comes the important word “therefore.”

Because of the truth of the resurrection we should be motivated and encouraged to rise to the challenge to minister here on earth!

1 Corinthians 15: 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Jesus rose again!!!!!!! We will be resurrected! Therefore rise to the challenge!

April 18, 2011 - God Hears

2011-04-21T12:27:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday. We reminisced about the people waving the palm branches as Christ rode into town. We thought about their welcome to the “King.” Yet the same folks were quite possibly in the crowd that yelled for Christ to be crucified.

How could opinions change so rapidly? Simply put Christ did not meet the expectations they had for a political, physical Savior from Rome and its tyranny.

We often see this attitude in the sports world as a new player is labeled the savior of a team or franchise. And when expectations are not met we see the masses turn on them – we question them – we assume we all misjudged them since it didn’t turn out as we envisioned.

As believers we some times get caught up in wrong expectations of Jesus as well. We know that the entrance into Jerusalem was in order to be a spiritual Savior and not at that time for His earthly kingdom. Yet we still have these expectations, and sometimes presentations from preachers, that we are saved in order to make our physical lives become a “rose garden.” My fear is that we have waved our “palm leaves” for the wrong reasons.

The reality of life for us as believers, as was true even for the Apostles, is that it (life) will still be hard. We will not always have it easy. Yet we do always have the opportunity for peace in the midst of the storm. We do have our hope, our assurance, of eternal life as guaranteed through the resurrection. (Study 1 Corinthians 15 in honor of Easter.)

Lately life has had me in a “full-court-press.” It has been crazy and I have felt quite overwhelmed at times. And like most “presses” are intended to do it has at times taken me out of rhythm – out of the game plan (as evidenced by me writing this devotion days late for the web blog…)

The easy, fleshly thing to do is ask, “Why me, God?” Yet the reality is that these times should not discourage me but instead encourage me more to run to His arms. I trusted in a Savior that is there for me, (and will one day even make physical surroundings perfect.)

Are you facing some pressure? Is life a bit overwhelming? Run to His arms!

Psalm 69
1 Save me, O God!
For the waters have come up to my neck.
2 I sink in deep mire,
Where there is no standing;
I have come into deep waters,
Where the floods overflow me.
3 I am weary with my crying;
My throat is dry;
My eyes fail while I wait for my God.
13 But as for me, my prayer is to You,
O LORD, in the acceptable time;
O God, in the multitude of Your mercy,
Hear me in the truth of Your salvation.

30 I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Read the full passage of Psalm 69. When life is in the “full-court-press” mode remember a simple truth: God hears.

April 11, 2011 - Confidence

2011-04-11T13:20:00.000-04:00

Confidence! That is a huge attribute in athletics.

“Show me a guy who’s afraid to look bad, and I'll show you a guy you can beat every time.” -Lou Brock

"Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." -George Herman "Babe" Ruth

"Experience tells you what to do; confidence allows you to do it." -Stan Smith

“Self-trust is the essence of heroism.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” -Elbert Hubbard

“I’ve never been afraid to fail.” –Michael Jordan

Why all of this talk of “confidence” and “not being afraid to fail”? As always it stems from things I see in the sports world that mirror needs in our spiritual lives.

One story involved 21-yr-old Rory MceIlroy who was leading The Masters golf tournament going into the final day only to shoot the worst round of the day and finish way back in the pack. Obviously he did not fare to well under the pressure. And in golf one must forget his last shot and move on…much like a 3-point shooter in basketball must have a short memory.

I am sure that Rory McIlroy is very confident in his golf swing. Yet I am curious if fear of failure got the best of him - the old problem of playing “not to lose” instead of “playing to win.” There is a big difference there. There is a big difference between (knowing I can hit that shot or make that play) and (fully expecting to hit that shot or make that play.) A truly confident athlete is surprised or even shocked to miss.

When playing not to lose a player tends to come up out of his stance just a bit and lose a little edge. A player starts to think about consequences of missing. A player tightens up and/or pulls up and becomes passive.

I truly believe that one of the reasons for our passivity in the church is our lack of confidence. I know we teach and share about the forgiveness and completeness found in Christ. I know we talk and share about the access we have to the Father. I know we talk and share about the faithfulness of God to forgive and cleanse even on a daily basis.

But we live as though we are still incomplete, unforgiven, and unworthy to truly approach God except through very generic prayer.

It is time to get more aggressive in our Christian lives! It is time to leave the passivity of our lives behind. It is time to go confidently and boldly before the throne of Grace!

Study Hebrews 10:19-25 this week. Then go out and make a difference for our team!

April 4, 2011 - Commitment demands one’s best effort!

2011-04-04T11:21:00.000-04:00

As I prepared to preach this past weekend I was still overwhelmed with the theme of “commitment” that I wrote about in last week’s devotion (Captive to a Commitment.) It is great to come to a point of being committed but then how do you stay there?

You have to have not only the desire; you have to have a “game plan.”

Also over the past weekend we hosted Jason Otter (the basketball clinician I wrote about last week.) I mentioned the personal workout agenda that my son has from him. At 6:30am Saturday morning we opened up the gym and when Jason walked in he looked at my son and said, “Clay, I have a 12 yr old that has logged in more than you this week. What’s the problem?” Jason was simply holding Clay accountable to his commitment.

In fairness to Clay - there is not always a gym available, nor is the weather always cooperative; sometimes there are homework commitments that have to be met; sometimes practices for the AAU team; muscle strains; etc. Yet commitment demands sacrifice and some careful planning to get things in. (both Jason and Clay showed their commitment level over the weekend as they spent around 16 hours on the hardwood, working hard!) Commitment demands one’s best effort!

Leading up to following through with one’s commitment the person must have a couple things be true about him.

1. Be Coachable: the player must be willing to listen and learn. He must set his “eyes” on the goal that is laid out by the trainer.
2. Be Conditioned: every great athlete has to work hard and be smart. He must get proper nutrition, proper rest, proper practice time, etc.

These things are what lead to true commitment. For the spiritual application I encourage you this week to study Colossians chapter 3 and look for the pictures of being coachable and conditioned that lead to verses 17 and 23 which command total commitment! (If you have the Message version read it also - or go to BibleGateway.com and pull it up – it has a great rendering of the passage.)

I love the wording in verse 25: “Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.”

March 28, 2011 - Captive to a Commitment!

2011-03-28T08:11:00.000-04:00

Sitting in the gym early Monday morning, listening to the rain on the roof and the sound of the basketball on the hardwood…

We (Clay and I) have been here for a half-an-hour and have another half-an-hour to go before we report for the school day. I must admit that when the alarm went off this morning and I thought about the extra hour I could have of sleep it was a struggle to plod down the stairs and wake Clay. Yet here we are…captive to a commitment!

Recently some good friends of mine blessed us greatly. Their names are Jason and Christy Otter. They run Otter’s School of Basketball and Jason is the best clinician I have ever witnessed. Don’t get me wrong, I have seen a lot of tremendous ball handling and shooting instructors through the years, yet Jason has that special ability to not only give the best technical advice but also the best motivational push to players.

They have blessed us by sacrificing extra time, energy, and effort to pour into Clay as a player and a young man. Clay not only participates in Jason’s clinics but has now received a personal workout agenda from Jason to help Clay become the best player he can be. With what is listed out via the computer screen, Clay is very clear on what the objective is from Jason. Yet the key is not just the objective but the “commissioning.”

Jason and Christy have sacrificed for Clay; therefore their words carry a lot of weight. Clay’s “commitment” is simply a logical response to agree to the “mission” of the “commissioning.” And I love it when Clay or I receive an email or text from the Otters simply encouraging and reminding Clay that he “better be working” and that it will make him the best he can be! That creates an accountability to stay the course…

Do you see where I am going with this? Christ has sacrificed for us! He gave His life for us! He has “commissioned” us to a specific job of being His “ambassadors – ministers of reconciliation.” (See 2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

If you have put your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ for your salvation, then you are officially a “mission”-ary: a person called to “commit” to the great com-“mission” to share the Gospel with a lost and dying world!

I know you all know what the “mission” is; now it is time to execute it! It is time to be “Captive to a Commitment!”

March 21, 2011 - It's Over, Yo!

2011-03-21T17:05:00.000-04:00

Do you ever struggle in your Christian walk? Is there a particular thing that is weighing you down? Does it feel at times like the enemy is getting the best of you?

Yes there is an enemy! Yes there is a battle raging! Yes we have the potential as Christians to let our flesh win out over the Spirit! Sometimes this game of life is simply not going the way we intended…

Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Did you see that? Sometimes we simply do not do the things we wish or know we should do. (The same is true in a game. I sit and laugh often at fans screaming at a player that has messed up – as though he intended to do so…)

Yet in honor of March Madness I must share quite possibly my favorite quote of all tourneys. Early in Ohio State’s game against George Mason, Jared Sullinger (OSU’s star big man) was being pushed around by the GM big men. He committed 3 straight turnovers and some of the GM players were even mocking him. I am sure that Sullinger did not intend to play that way; and I am sure that the opponent’s mocking of him helped remind him of the powerful, incredible player that he truly is. As a response Sullinger bumped into one of the GM players and simply said, “It’s over, yo.” And it was over! OSU proceeded to thump GM in a major way.

I think sometimes we forget some things in our Christian lives. The enemy mocks us in our frailty. Yet, even though in our strength we are no match for the enemy, in Christ we are more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37) Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! (1 John 4:4) And then in 1 John 5 we see that the Spirit that is in us does not sin.

So in this battle of flesh and Spirit we have the call to walk in the Spirit - a call to live a life of victory. It is a call to look at the enemy and say, “It’s over, yo!”

March 14, 2011 - Purpose and a Plan

2011-03-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

As I write this week I am sitting on the back porch at my in-laws’ house in West Palm Beach. As I enjoy the warmth of the sunshine, I am reminded of how much we like to be comfortable. And honestly the afternoon has been great as I listened to some music, did some reading, etc. Yet I am here so I can hop a plane in the morning to the Dominican Republic for some outreach.

Often times people look at me funny when they hear of me going to other countries to reach out with the Gospel of Christ. To most it is simply not a reasonable thing. From many I hear that I need to be careful because things are bad in this world. (Not sure if people have noticed that even in the USA things are bad…) Many will make remarks that there is enough need in the USA to keep us busy, so why spend time over “there” (wherever my “there” is on a given trip.)

I was recently asked to speak in a “missions” chapel and I keyed on the word “mission” as being something that has a purpose and a plan. Christ was very clear with our purpose: Preach the gospel and make disciples! (Matthew 28 and Mark 16) The Apostle Paul was moved by the Holy Spirit in his second letter to the Corinthians, in the 5th chapter, to remind us that we have been called to be “ambassadors” with a purpose of helping others be “reconciled to God.” Our PURPOSE is never changing: share the life-giving message of salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ!

Yet our game PLAN changes often on how to get the Word out. Often I use sports camps/clinics; other times we take in doctors for medical clinics; yet other times I am simply given a platform from which to speak; and sometimes it is as simple as sitting next to someone on the airplane, taking interest in them, and seizing opportunities to share a message of hope.

As a coach I design different sets and plays; I teach players to “take what the defense gives them”; I go into games with different plans, yet one purpose – get the ball in the hole more times than the opponent. (As a player I prided myself on being able to get my shot off no matter who [or how many people] was on me – I had a purpose!)

Therefore as a Christian I have been given a purpose from God – to know Him and to make Him known. I will go and share the Gospel! Will you?

(As a humorous ending I will tell a story on my buddy David. We were coaching a game and the players were not performing very well. David called a timeout in his frustration and brought the boys into the huddle. His great words of wisdom were as follows: “You see that round orange thing up there? The ball is supposed to go through it!” And then we broke from the huddle. I have often laughed at the simplicity of that timeout. Yet it was also very profound. We know what we are supposed to do; so why aren’t we?)

March 7, 2011 - It's Game On!

2011-03-07T10:23:00.000-05:00

“Alright Team, it is time to lace ‘em up!” A basketball player knows that means it is game time! A football player looks forward to the time to be “in pads” – he knows some contact is on the way. A race car driver looks forward to the words “Gentlemen, start your engines.”

Athletes love the time when they get to compete. They love the time when the adrenaline gets pumping. They love to be at that point when it’s “Game On!”

Can you imagine a basketball player running out onto the court in dress shoes to play? Can you imagine a football player saying, “I don’t need any pads”? Can you imagine a race car driver jumping in his car still in regular clothes, ignoring his helmet, ignoring his safety harness, etc.?

Simply put, when it “Game On!” athletes should be prepared mentally and physically. They should be “dressed out” and ready to go!

Guess what? It is “Game On!” for us as believers. Or better put, it is “Battle On!” I have been preaching through the letter to the Ephesians the last few Sundays and yesterday I dealt with the armor of God.

Ephesians 6: 13 begins with the word “therefore.” It is saying that since the truth is that we are in a battle that is spiritual in nature, we should make sure that we are clothed properly. Verses 14-17 explain the importance of God’s truth and righteousness; the importance of our faith in the promises of God; the importance of God’s protection in our lives; and the importance of our “game plan” of spreading the Gospel of peace.

My question this week is very simple: Did you “dress out” today for “the game”? Or are you reading this sitting on the “sidelines” in your “street clothes”?

Daily we need to be searching the Scriptures for God’s truth and instruction in righteousness! Daily we need reminded of His glorious promises; that we can trust Him!

Verse 18 then reminds us of the importance to pray – for yourself and for each other. Daily we should pray on His armor and be prepared for battle.

Ephesians 6:13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (The Message)

It’s Game On!

February 28, 2011 - To The Point

2011-02-28T10:11:00.001-05:00

One of my strengths, and often times weaknesses, is that as a coach I have learned to say what I mean, mean what I say, and get straight to the point. When players come to a huddle I have 30-60 seconds to express a plan; in practices I need to get the point across so more time is spent with players getting in repetitions; etc.

My goal is that the players will trust and know that I am on their side and wanting the best for them. I want them to know that even if I have to get “in their faces” a bit, it is because I expect and can see success for them.

These things are fresh on my mind for a few reasons.

1. I have been preaching through the book of Ephesians and have been reminded again to “redeem the time.” (5:16) Life is slipping away, we don’t have time to always beat around the bush!

2. The next is because of a couple things my oldest son said to me over the weekend. First he made an observation that some people did not understand him because he was raised to simply tell it like it is. (Granted there is a maturing process on how to deliver news…) That leads to the second observation. At a tryout for an AAU club team there was a coach that was constantly teaching, correcting, and encouraging the boys. Afterwards my son said “I love that coach!” I asked why and he said, “because you can tell he really wants you to get better.” (Remember this is coming from a 15 yr old that does not always like being corrected; of course we as adults don’t like it either.)

3. Then this morning as I was in my Proverbs Quiet Time I came across the following verse: Proverbs 28:23

“He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue.” (NKJV)
“In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery.” (NLT)

May I encourage you this week to speak the truth…in love!

February 21, 2011 - Play hard! Play aware! Play under control!

2011-02-21T19:56:00.000-05:00

On Saturday I had the privilege of watching the nation’s leading assist man in division 1 college basketball, Scott Machado of the Iona Gaels. He is a very gifted point guard that makes all of his teammates better. He has great floor vision and great tempo. The thing that stood out the most was that he always appeared under control.

On the other side of the ball was Liberty University’s point guard, Jesse Sanders. Although I don’t think that Jesse has quite the court awareness that Scott possesses; what Jesse has is good court awareness and a motor that never quits. Liberty as a team was pretty flat the first half. (The second half was much better.) Yet Jesse was aggressive and poured it out, making the most of every minute he was on the floor. Those minutes were cut short due to some foul calls on him that had the fans in a frenzy. Normally when you see a player with an aggressive motor like Jesse’s it comes with an aggressive attitude. Yet again I had the privilege of seeing a player that was under control. During the 1st half when Liberty was falling behind on the scoreboard and even in the second half when Jesse’s 5th foul was called he handled his frustration with much grace and composure. (I know because we were blessed to have seats directly behind Liberty’s bench.)

It brings me great joy to see players that are mature on the court. That is the goal of ministry as well. Once evangelism has taken place and a player joins God’s team then discipleship kicks in to help that player mature. (Colossians 1:28, 2 Timothy 3:17)

Would your life be characterized as “under control”? Scott just had great awareness, much like is described in Ephesians 5 when we are told to walk “circumspectly” (being aware of others.) Jesse gives a picture of what the Apostle Paul shares later in that chapter; he epitomizes the man that is “filled with the Spirit” and as a result has an entirely new focus on life.

Ephesians 5: 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Play hard! Play aware! Play under control!

February 14, 2011 - What my team needs! When my team needs it!

2011-02-14T09:40:00.000-05:00

Most of the time when we look at a player’s performance we look straight to the scoring column. We tend to measure success by stats, especially scoring. As a coach I look for a lot of other things to see if players are performing well. I look at and love hustle plays. I look at the intangibles like boxing out that can allow for a teammate to get the rebounding stat. I look for players that fulfill the following motto: “What my team needs! When my team needs it!” – URGENCY and INTENSITY!

On Friday night I watched my son have a poor shooting night. He only scored 2 points as he never quite seemed to be in rhythm when he shot. Yet it was probably the best game I have watched him play. He played solid defense; moved the ball well (gathering a handful of assists); and corralled 11 rebounds.

The rebounds were the part I loved. He simply outworked the opponent, especially when the game got to crunch time. His desire to give [what his team needed, when his team needed it] caused him to pursue the basketball with urgency/intensity. (Did I mention that I love hustle plays?)

The idea of “pursuit” involves urgency, intensity, and desire. “pursuit” is not simply to follow but to try to apprehend.

As believers I fear that we far too often hear that we should “follow” Christ, when maybe our battle cry should take us deeper. Are you in pursuit of Christ? Do you pursue righteousness? Is your deep desire to attain spiritual maturity?

2 Timothy 2: 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but PURSUE righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

February 7, 2011 - What Does A Player Look Like?

2011-02-07T20:16:00.001-05:00

I was recently listening to a coach talk to some young players and tell them to look like ballplayers! It was a clinic setting and he said to establish the pattern of standing like a player and remaining focused even when in line waiting one’s turn. Then he said something interesting; he told them to always smile.

One of the kids then told the coach that his coach in middle school didn’t want them smiling; he wanted them to have on their game faces. Coach simply reminded the kid that basketball is a game and meant to be fun. Hard work simply makes it become more fun!

In his letter to the Ephesians the Apostle Paul reminds believers that our lives should honor and glorify God. He calls us to a walk that is “worthy” (what I recently preached was a “walk of worship.”) He is very definite about how we should “play the game” and that we should “look like players.”

Galatians 5: 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

He then reminds us that it will result in “playing with a smile” or in other words “living with a song.”

Galatians 5: 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Psalm 40: 3 He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.

January 31, 2011 - Don't Flirt With The Enemy!

2011-01-31T20:49:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do? Have you ever had someone misinterpret what you said or what you did? Have you ever had someone take something you said or did out of context?

My son got a taste of that last Friday night. He was playing against a young man that he has known for a few years and they got going into a little bit of a battle – mano a mano.

The friend, (a 6’8” man-child that is heading to Clemson next year), had just put down a pretty nasty dunk on my son. It was one of those made for the movies dunks where the kid looked at my son as my son jumped aimlessly in the air.

As they went down the floor my son squared up well behind the 3-point line and the big guy jumped out on him to lock down on defense. As the other kid dropped his hand down my son drained a long 3 on him. It was truly fun to watch and the boys were having fun.

At that point my son went a bit stupid and blew a kiss at his friend, as if to say “got ya back.” They both thought it was funny; one of the refs didn’t as she whistled him for a technical foul for taunting. Then to top it off the ref overheard my son say, “this is bull” to one of his buddies and an assistant coach. The ref heard that one and t’d him up again, resulting in an ejection from the game (and a 1 game suspension.) (I have to admit it is the first ejection I have ever seen where the people in the crowd did not even know there was an issue and the player being ejected was not even agitated.)

So what was the problem? The ref thought there was taunting going on and that is against the rules. She was trying to make sure a problem did not arise.

As we discussed this afterwards with a former collegiate coach he explained to my son that even though they were having fun, scouts only know he was ejected and assume he has character issues. That one night could have “X-ed” his name off a recruiting list.

What an opportunity to teach my son the lessons of Colossians 1:22 where we are told that to be mature is to be “above reproach.” And in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 we are told to abstain from even the appearance of evil.

The moral of this story: don’t blow kisses to your opponents. Wait,that is not it. Maybe we could word it, “Don’t flirt with the enemy!”

January 24, 2011 - Wait Till Next Year

2011-01-24T10:12:00.000-05:00

As I drove to work this morning I heard a Chicago Bears fan discussing the football game from yesterday. This game for the Bears determined if they would go to the Super Bowl; and they lost. The Bears’ fan admitted that as he grew up in Chicago that the common phrase was “Wait till next year!”

Chicago loves its sports teams. The fans from there are always optimistic that “next year” will be the year! That is the beauty of sports, there is a next season.

Unfortunately I believe that too many Christians live their lives saying “Wait till next year.” We have an optimistic view of what we will do for the Lord in the future; yet we let “Today” pass in vain. Why is that?

I think there are a couple glaring reasons that I have seen during my years of ministry.

1. In working with youth I see that kids think it is what they will do when they are adults. They plan to serve God when they are older not recognizing their opportunities today.
2. With both youth and adults we have compartmentalized our Christian lives to where serving is part of specific, short-term mission trips. In other words we view service as planned periods of time; we simply schedule God into our lives.

In response to the first issue: God has throughout history used young people to do great things. Jeremiah 1:6But I said, "Hold it, Master God! Look at me. I don't know anything. I'm only a boy!" 7-8God told me, "Don't say, 'I'm only a boy.' I'll tell you where to go and you'll go there. I'll tell you what to say and you'll say it. Don't be afraid of a soul. I'll be right there, looking after you." God's Decree. (The Message)

As for the second issue: I recently was discussing the philosophy of mission trips. I came to the conclusion that yes, we have a target or goal of what we want to do and who we want to serve; yet the biggest thing I recognized is that the trips simply help us teach and encourage what should be taking place on a daily level in our lives. I determined that going on a mission trip does not make one a missionary; instead one goes on a mission trip because he realizes he is a missionary. Our missionary journey began at the point of salvation! “Mission trips” simply remind us that in life we have to be flexible with schedules and open to what God has laid before us.

We should not look at our Christian lives based solely on future events (i.e. “Wait till next year.) Instead we should be ready and serving “in season and out of season.” (See 2 Timothy 4:2)

God should not be relegated to our being a part of our calendars, an addition to our lives; instead He should be our lives! We should look at every day, every moment, as an opportunity to serve and glorify Him!

Psalm 95:6-8 (New King James Version)

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.

Today, if you will hear His voice:
8 “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,
As in the day of trial in the wilderness,

January 17, 2011 - Huddles of the Heart

2011-01-17T10:34:00.000-05:00

Last week I ended the devotion with the comment that I hope your resolutions for this year include representing Christ well. That is a noble cause but also one that requires some effort. It is not as simple as just saying that we want to be different, we have to be transformed! (Remember we are on a whole new team with a new way to play when we trust Christ.)

I often bring up the fact that the Scriptures call us to a renewing of the mind. Look at Romans 12:1-2 and Psalm 119 – over and over we are told to be in the Word. Transformation involves different thinking. It involves being strengthened in the inner man (Ephesians 3) by understanding the incredible expanse of God’s love.

In this relationship it is not enough to just study the Scriptures to know the facts, you must be studying to get to know and see God’s heart. It is not just about what “plays” He has diagrammed for you but about trusting Him.

Also needed is time for you to talk to Him. Prayer is a huge part of our relationship. I am not just talking about the planned time of prayer down on our knees, but also the fact that we can through the day be in relational conversation with our God!

In sports there are scheduled practices to hear from and learn from the coach; yet there are unscheduled timeouts that are needed in the games for instruction, rest, etc.

In your life, if you want to be successful in your resolution to represent Christ well, you need to have some “timeouts” during your days for some “huddles of the heart.” Periodically just stop and read or quote some verses to hear from God. Periodically stop and acknowledge God’s goodness and your need. It can simply be 30 to 60 seconds of your time.

ROCK'em Road Trip Recap (Statesville Christian School Lions)

2011-01-14T08:14:00.001-05:00

We are home! Our family has been gone for 3 weeks on a ministry trip that included a couple of days of basketball clinics in Lafayette, IN, followed by 2 weeks of outreach in southern Florida. (The fun was packing for all 7 of us for 3 weeks in 2 drastically different climates.)

The time in Indiana was great. We were able to make some new friends, see some old friends, teach some basketball skills, and hopefully encourage these players to honor the Lord in all they do. (And on top of that our younger kids got some great Grandma and Grandpa time.)

This was followed by our journey to Florida. Upon arrival we were able to spend a couple days with Lisa’s parents (the younger kids a couple of weeks), and then began the ROCK’em Road Trip portion of the schedule.

On December 27 the boys’ varsity basketball team joined us in Jupiter, Fl and stayed through January 7. On their trip they were able to play 4 games (3 in the Jupiter Christian Holiday Tourney and 1 on the floor of Palm Beach Atlantic University.) The girls’ team joined us from January 1 through the 8th. The girls played a game in Coral Springs, FL.

The teams enjoyed not only playing basketball but also the following:
• The Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge – a trip to the Everglades
• Lion Country Safari – drive-through nature preserve
• Loggerhead Marine Center – sea turtle hospital
• Palm Beach Atlantic University Tour
• Watching Palm Beach Atlantic basketball games / practices
• Beach Clean-up at Ocean Reef Park in Riviera Beach, Fl and also at Juno Beach
• Service projects for church and individuals
• Daily devotions with Hank Dahl of Reign Ministries
• And a study called Lions’ PRIDE (an overview of John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success)

This trip allowed for many opportunities for leaders to teach serious life lessons and to model the life of a missionary; for students to get to be an example and a voice for the Lord; for the Gospel to be proclaimed via the spoken Word and through tracts that were distributed; etc.

There was a big push to have a team concept yet to maintain an “I am second”, others-focused approach to daily living.

The trip allowed for leaders to take a close look at the definition of a “missions” trip. Is it going to another place to do a renovation project? Is it the distribution of tracts? Is it a medical clinic? Is it a basketball clinic? Is it sharing one’s testimony at the mall? This list could keep going and the answer to all of these can be yes.

The goal of this trip was to teach the concept that one’s missionary journey begins at the point of salvation – with the great comMISSION that Christ mandated to believers. We wanted the students and adults to see that a “mission trip” is simply a continuation of this journey and that we can and should be witnesses in all we do.

We encouraged players to be a witness on the basketball floor; on the beach; in the malls; etc.

As a result we saw players stepping out of their comfort zones to talk to others; we saw people respond to the invitation to accept Jesus Christ as their Substitute (Savior); we saw players learning and growing! (And when we saw to the contrary, we jumped on the teachable moments!)

On this trip I can truly say that I saw lives being changed. I saw the maturing process taking place. I even saw the Lord confirming to me that He has a purpose and a plan!

This trip truly fulfilled the mission of InBounds Ministries to:
1. Give ‘em the ROCK! – Evangelism took place!
2. Get schooled now…so you won’t be schooled later! – Discipleship took place!

Praise God for the opportunity to be used on His team!

Thank you to all that helped make this possible via your prayers and contributions!

Coach Burden

January 10, 2011 - Fired Coaches

2011-01-10T15:49:00.000-05:00

At this time of year it is very common to hear of coaches being hired or fired in college and NFL football; plus at the NBA level in basketball. When it boils down to it the coaches have to be winning or else they get cut (even if they had other years of success.)

One great assumption that is made by fans is that the players are doing what the coaches have designed. For a coach it is as important, or maybe even more important, to have players that are good listeners as opposed to just being talented.

Yes, players have a responsibility to represent their coaches well.

The same is true in our Christian lives. I quoted Gandhi in a previous devotion where he said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” In other words we are doing a poor job of representing Christ.

Yet most of the world will not be as objective as Gandhi in their thinking about Christ. They will judge Christ/God based upon what they see in us, and/or how the media portrays us. They will write God/Christianity off when they see us behaving poorly.

That is why the Apostle Paul reminded us in Colossians 1 of the responsibility we have as “players.” The following is from the Message translation:

21-23 You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God's side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don't walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.

This passage gives the goal of maturity in believers as they recognize the preeminence of Christ and His message.

I hope your resolution for 2011 is to represent Christ well. That involves listening to the coach and executing what He has designed!

January 3, 2011 - Don't settle for less than the best!

2011-01-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

As I am in the midst of another ROCK’em Road Trip with our ministry I get to see so many areas in each of our lives that need attention. Being 2½ weeks into this I am starting to get tired and need to make sure I am staying alert and aware of things going on around me. I need to make sure I am still seeking God’s best for these players and not just going through the motions and settling for less than best.

It is just like in a game. What happens to teams toward the end of games? Often you see players making mental mistakes – because they are fatigued! We see players stop executing and trying to hit the “big shot.” Why? Because execution involves alertness, discipline, thinking, etc. It is much easier when tired to settle for less than best.

I watched a couple of games yesterday and saw this very thing happening. One game involved a team that was winning big yet would at times flatten out and stop executing. That team still won the game on the scoreboard because of their superiority over the opponent; yet they did not play to the fullest of their abilities and were not necessarily successful just because they had the higher score. (In fairness to the young men they had played a lot of games over the last week and were physically tired.)

The second game involved a team that was winning for the majority of the game but as time wore on they wore down, not physically but mentally. They simply stopped executing and in turn lost the game.

In life we will have times of fatigue, discouragement, boredom, etc. All of these things can be very dangerous if we are not in great spiritual condition. All of these things can lead to a settling for less than best. It can be in one’s work, school, dating relationships, goals, etc. every aspect of our lives should come under the instruction of God’s Word, which gives us the best!

1 Thessalonians 5 gives us a great admonition about “execution” of God’s “game plan.” We are commanded to not settle for less than the best! Read the following verse from the Message translation: “But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You're sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.” (Verses 4-8)

Did you get that? Think clearly! Be alert! Play the way God intended you to play!

Florida Fun

2011-01-02T00:06:00.000-05:00

On our ROCK'em Road Trip to Florida - Have had 11 high school guys since last Monday - 10 high school girls joined us today - it is going to be another great week! - the picture is of Clay Burden in a game at Jupiter Christian School in a tourney (Special effects courtesy of Elisha Burden)

December 27, 2010 - The End Goal (Happy New Year)

2010-12-27T10:04:00.002-05:00

As we approach another New Year’s Eve, the thoughts of resolutions jump out in my mind. With each year that passes and each devotion that I write, I find myself going back to the same old ideas that seem so easy to write, yet so difficult to live.

As I write this week I am awaiting the arrival of 11 high school players today and 10 more on Saturday. We are beginning another ROCK’em Road Trip. This time involves teams playing games and working with their coaches and chaperons.

One of the chaperons is also a personal trainer. She will only be with us through Sunday because simply put, next week is her biggest business week of the year. Think about it; people are going to pay her to cause them pain. These folks will be willing for a week or two or three to endure stiff muscles and aching joints; all because they have their eyes on an end goal that requires this. You know the mantra: “No pain, no gain!” (Yet many will waver in their efforts as the end goal loses its importance to them.)

This week I want to simply remind us to look forward to the next year with a little different slant. Yes, I know it is customary to desire health and prosperity for the new year; but what about desiring trials? I know that sounds weird but if you want to grow this year then you must endure the fire.

James 1: 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Did you get that? If you want to be “perfect and complete, lacking nothing” then you must face trials.

Let’s quickly examine a couple of things that I find here (and the preacher I listened to yesterday that stirred my thinking. Thanks David!)

When it says to “count it” or to “consider it” the words literally mean to look forward to the end result – what is your goal? I mentioned earlier that folks will give up on their workouts when the goal loses its importance. So what is the proper goal to look forward to in our Christian lives?

If we listen to the typical mantra for health and prosperity it all revolves around the physical comforts of life. And these verses that make promises of perfection and lacking nothing could be twisted to say such. Yet that is not at all what it is talking about because if it were then the very Apostles themselves missed the promises. Their lives were by no means comfortable and easy.

The end goal of the Christian life should be holiness, Godly character, peace, and contentment. The end goal should revolve around the very promises of the heavenly host that reminded us at Christ’s birth that we could have joy and peace.

For the next year I have to tell you that I hope you have trials – I hope you grow! As I bring in the new year with 21 high school basketball players I hope to have patience – yet that comes from trials (which I am sure they will provide for me!)

December 20, 2010 - The X Factor

2010-12-20T11:51:00.000-05:00

Often times when listening to commentators discuss an upcoming game they will discuss each teams strengths and weaknesses, compare the star players against each other, and then discuss who will be the “X-factor.”

The “X-factor” refers to that unknown person that will step up to make a difference. It can refer to that unknown element of the person’s game that rises to the occasion. What the commentators are saying is that we need to watch the game to determine who this will be. (Or in math terms we have to go through the problem to solve for the unknown variable – X.)

This week I want to quickly remind you about some things we see in the game of life. As we look back over history we see that one man split time in half (BC and AD.) This one man is who H.G. Wells called “easily the most dominant figure in all history.” We see that this one man fulfilled prophecies of the “Messiah” – the one that would be the “Savior” in this game of life. We see that this man is JESUS, Immanuel – God with us!

This week why don’t we try to honor Him by doing a couple of things. Let’s live our lives with the joy and peace God intended – the joy and peace that was promised would come through the Christ-child. (Luke 2)

If someone says, “Happy Holidays” to you then smile and thank them for the nice greeting. Then explain that your holidays are not only happy but also joyous and peaceful. (Instead of complaining that it is our right to hear the words Merry Christmas! How about actually following the example of Christ and laying down our rights. It is our job to take Christ to the world, not to demand they bring Him to us!)

When we see the “X-mas” signs remember a couple of things. First the “X” represented Christ in the shorthand of Greek and was originally used very respectfully. Second, even if the world is trying to remove Christ from Christmas, why would we expect anything different?

This Christmas I am diagramming a play for you. As you go out on the “floor” of life look for opportunities to “solve for X.” Look for opportunities to share with folks that you know who the “X-factor” is in the game of life. Just as Paul took the opportunity to explain the “X-factor” to the men of Athens in Acts 17 when he introduced them to the unknown variable, the unknown God!

Merry X-mas! Now go solve for “X”!

December 13, 2010 - First to the Floor

2010-12-13T18:22:00.000-05:00

How often do we take a look at adversity as a friend? I have written often of the “no pain, no gain” mentality but nevertheless it is true. Growth and strength come from putting a load on the muscles, or on the psyche.

But have you ever stopped to think about how often we are encouraged by other’s adversity? When we see people giving their all in spite of the pain, it urges us on. When we see others persevere and push forward, we are more willing to push on.

I recently was writing down some of the maxims I coach by. One is a simple reminder that the battle is often won not by the first to get to the rim but instead by the first willing to get to the floor.

Last Thursday night I watched my son’s team play a far superior team in size and athleticism. The high school team they were facing had a front line of 6’7”, 6’8”, and 6’9”. I think there were only two of their players shorter than my son that is around 6’2”.

The biggest kid on my son’s team is 6’3” or 6’4”. He is the reason I am writing this devotion this week. In spite of being undersized, he fought a valiant fight. The team was down by 18 points at the half. But after half-time, when men of lesser character would have folded, my son’s team came out scrapping. During the 3rd quarter they had enough shots fall to feel like they had a shot and had pulled back to within around 10 points. In the 4th quarter they got hot; they got pumped; they pushed on. And eventually they took the lead by as much as 6 points. Although they ended up dropping the decision (81-77) they were “winners” that night.

I know I mentioned the “big” kid on our team. His name is Austin. During that second half surge he had two plays that I believe spurred our team on. Austin is not a great scorer. He is not a great ball handler. But as a soccer goalie he has learned to give of his body. The two plays I mentioned involved Austin full-out diving for the ball; I’m talking body parallel to the floor diving. On the second one his landing area was actually in the wooden bleachers that hammered Austin’s thighs. I watched as his teammates were not only amazed by his effort but also energized and spurred on by his effort. Austin’s actions had said to his team, “This game matters. You, as my teammates matter. I’ll do what it takes to win the battle.”

In our spiritual lives I consistently am amazed by those that can go through incredibly difficult times and still honor the Lord. I think of the great missionaries we read about that were willing to lose their lives for the cause of Christ and how those stories spur us on. I think of the Apostle Paul who endured such incredible struggles once he became a Christian yet had the following conclusion:

Philippians 1: 12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Do you see what happened? The Brethren became more confident; they were encouraged and spurred on; they understood that yes Paul had some discomfort and struggle but it was all worth it.

December 6, 2010 - When is it time to quit?

2010-12-06T21:15:00.000-05:00

As a coach and a dad I often am faced with situations where players want to quit. As a general rule I believe that if you start something and commit to it, then you should finish it out.

Yet there have been times with players that they came to me and had legitimate reasons for wanting to quit. Maybe it was an academic reason or simply a conflict in time with something that was truly a higher priority. (One time it was as simple as a player tht wasn't respecting his momma so his dad and I agreed that he would have a leave of absence for an attitude adjustment.)

I came to a new point with one of my sons this past week. I told him that I fully understood if he wanted to quit his team.

I had watched part of his practice one day and was so proud of him. He worked his butt off! He is not near being the fastest guy on his team, yet I saw him finish first or second in each of the runs. He is not the most skilled player on his team but he competed hard. The day following that practice he anxiously went to his game (also knowing that his grandpa was in town from Inidiana.)

As we got to the game we waited for him to be put into the game. Once in the other team had gone to full court pressure and had a small guy that was simply too fast for my son. The smaller guy stole the ball a few times in a short amount of time and my son's coach immediately pulled him out. And there my son sat until the final 30 seconds of the game. I watched as his spirit was crushed. (Yeah, yeah I know there are many kids that go through this, but not all have a dad that is a coach or an older brother that is a gifted player.)

The reason I told him I understood if he wanted to quit was because to me it was more important to let my son know that his identity was not tied to a basketball game. I wanted him to know that his self-esteem should not be built by a game. I wanted him to know that I loved him the same if he were on the floor or on the bench - or not playing at all.

What he did surprised me and thrilled me. He went to the next practice. Today he played the next game. He chose to persevere and honor commitment even though I gave him an "out."

To me I was even more thrilled because I had just preached a sermon about the Apostle Paul when he was imprisoned in Philippi. When his chains were loosed and the prison doors were opened, he chose to stay for the good of others; he chose to honor God over "freedom." Maybe he understood that freedom was not truly found in circumstances. He ignored the "loosed chains and open doors" I offered him.

I believe my son showed great character. I believe he is growing. I believe he handled more maturely than I would have. (It was such an amazing show of character that I had to wonder if I was more the one that was ready to quit so I didn't endure the pain.) Ultimately a few splinters from the bench are not a reason to retreat from a commitment!

Acts 16:
22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” 29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Honor! Commitment! Perseverance! Great ways to show a solid testimony!

November 29, 2010 - What are you hungry for?

2010-11-29T09:41:00.000-05:00

What are you hungry for?

This past week we had Thanksgiving dinner. That morning I found myself craving certain foods that I knew were headed my way. When it came time to eat I didn’t have to be told twice to get to the dinner table! When it came time to eat, I ate and then ate some more. I think it could be called “feasting.”

Hunger is a tremendous motivator. It is a driving force in life. Yet hunger and craving are two different things. The simple fact is that I could have stepped away from the dinner table very easily on Thanksgiving Day. The truth is that I avoided some of my cravings. Cravings are nice when they are fulfilled but not a big deal when they are not.

So why am I drawing this comparison? What does it have to do with athletics? What does it have to do with our Christian walks?

There is a great quote from Bobby Knight that states: “Everyone has the will to win, but few have the will to prepare to win.” Using the terms we are discussing: Everyone craves winning, but not everyone is driven to win.

Hunger creates a discomfort that results in a willingness to work hard. A hungry person will eat just about anything. A hungry person is driven to get food! A hungry person is desperate to eat.

I believe the thing that sets apart great players is not athletic ability or skill set, but instead it is hunger. When you hear the greats discussed, (MJ, Magic, Bird, Kobe, etc.), you here people talk about their insatiable hunger to win. Often you hear people question a guy like LeBron because they wonder if he is truly “hungry” or is he just incredibly gifted – yet satisfied? The greats are desperate to win.

So again I ask, “What are you hungry for?” If you crave being a college athlete, that is great. But are you hungry to be a college athlete? It will be evidenced in your work ethic. And the same principle will hold true for anything you desire to accomplish in life.

What about your spiritual life? I think most of us as Christians crave knowing Christ in a deeper way. We all want to be closer to the Lord. Yet I don’t know that we all have a passionate hunger to know Him. The Apostle Paul is the shining example of what it means to hunger for Christ.

In Philippians he goes as far as saying that even his “chains” are “in Christ.” Everything he faces in life he views as an opportunity to magnify and know Christ more. Read Philippians 3. Paul tells us that the religious life he lived did not satisfy him. He counts all things as loss for the excellence of knowing Christ. He “presses on” in this quest. He “feasts” on God’s truth. He is desperate to know Him more.

Are you desperate to know God in a deeper way? Are you hungry for Him?

Proverbs 16: 26 The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on. (NKJV)

Proverbs 16: 26 Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder. (The Message)

November 22, 2010 - Thankful (Even When Losing)

2010-11-22T17:06:00.000-05:00

In this week leading into Thanksgiving I have to ask you, is your life is characterized by thankfulness? By joy? By rejoicing? By that I am not asking you to sit back and think about all the great things you have in life, I am asking you are you simply thankful for the life and opportunities God has given you to glorify and serve Him?

I have been preaching a series the last couple of weeks centered on the Apostle Paul’s secrets to success. This guy had an incredibly difficult life after becoming a Christian. (See 2 Corinthians 11:24ff) Yet from a prison cell he penned a letter about what our focus should be in life. Basically he boiled it down to a couple simple goals: 1. Magnify Christ. 2. Serve others. He went as far as looking at his physical circumstances and bragging about how they were creating opportunities to further the Gospel.

Philippians 1:12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

Maybe you have some problems as you are reading today; are your “chains in Christ”? Are you looking for ways to further the Gospel through them? Are you excited about the character that God wants to build in you by allowing these problems?

I know that we have heard these things before; yet what a great time of year to be reminded about being thankful! What a great time of year to be reminded to stop complaining and grumbling! (See Philippians 2:14)

But wait a minute; I haven’t brought the sports part of this into play yet. Well it is definitely on my mind. I spent the weekend at a basketball tournament that involved Christian schools. I again listened to the crowd around me and had much concern. Many fans and coaches behaved like the rest of the world does – complaining and grumbling, sometimes screaming and whining, when things don’t go the way they think they should have. (Not to mention that even that is usually through very biased eyes that are not near as impartial as the refs.) I kept going back to the philosophy I developed as a coach and athletic director: “at the end of the game would you feel comfortable witnessing to the referee if given a chance?”

Maybe you think I am going too far with this. One leader in a ministry told me I am naïve to be in my 40’s and not expect people to voice their opinions at games. My question is what makes games different than real life. Would you approve of an employee going into work and screaming at the janitor, “Can’t you see? You missed a spot over there? We need a real janitor?” Would you feel comfortable if you walked into a fast food joint and heard someone screaming at the girl at the register, “You idiot can’t you count?”

You see we wouldn’t ever openly admit that it is ok to belittle and berate people in everyday life. (Although I think if some are honest we would have to admit we are better at the American / Burger King mantra of “have it your way” than we are of the Biblical mantra of considering others as more important than self!)

If you are a Christian reading this would you agree that we are called to be different in our approach to life?

I read an article today about a college football coach. It was a story on one of the major news wires that called out this coach for his whining and screaming and blaming officials, etc. Basically the article came down to saying the coach did not understand proper decorum.

Most of us would be offended by the apparent actions and attitudes of this coach. Yet have you ever sat in the stands of a game at a church league or Christian school event. It doesn’t sound any different. There is nothing peculiar about it.

When life hits us with a crisis is there something peculiar about us? Or is the following quote about the college coach more descriptive: “…coach raged. He yelled at officials. He yelled at his own players. He gritted his teeth while…”

It is easy to be thankful during the good times. It is easy to seem joyful when things are going our way. It is easy to seem at peace when we are “ahead on life’s scoreboard.” But what about in those times like Paul was enduring…….?

November 15, 2010 - Slow Down

2010-11-15T13:20:00.000-05:00

I was recently talking with Jason Otter. Jason is a well respected basketball clinician, especially with his work in his Point Guard Elite Camps. He told me that one of the key things he works on in these camps is teaching the guards to slow down!

I know that sounds strange I the world of athletics where speed is so highly touted. Yet a great player is one that sees the floor, reads the defense, and makes the game as easy as possible.

Just this past week I spoke with the assistant coach on my son’s team and he said the same thing. He talked about trying to get our guards to slow down and play under control. Again, this is a call to see the floor, read the defense, and make the game as easy as possible.

In our everyday lives I fear we run into the same problems. With our hectic daily schedules and often an honest desire to do great things for the Lord, we tend to commit way to many “turnovers.” God has called us to see the floor, read the defense, and make the game of life as easy as possible…

Ephesians 5: 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Psalm 27 puts it this way:

14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

A great player has clear direction. John Wooden would say, “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” Another way I have heard this truth: “So hurry up and wait upon the Lord!” (Old Petra song called “More Power To Ya”)

SPECIAL POST (Upcoming ROCK'em Road Trip)

2010-11-10T10:52:00.002-05:00

Statesville Christian School Lions
Winterim ROCK’em Road Trip

Dear Friend in Christ,

I am writing to let you know about a great opportunity our school’s basketball program has this winter to give out the Gospel, serve the community, and train (both in basketball and the Word.) The Statesville Christian School varsity basketball teams are taking a 2-week trip to southern Florida in conjunction with the outreach of InBounds Ministries.

InBounds Ministries regularly takes players on ROCK’em Road Trips to various places in the country. These trips are designed with evangelism, discipleship, service, and training in mind. In essence these trips are short-term missions combined with a travelling basketball camp. This particular trip (December 27, 2010 – January 7, 2011) will also include varsity competition against schools in Florida. (Girls’ team is travelling January 1-8, 2011.)

Scheduled for this trip will be: the boys team playing in the Jupiter Christian Holiday Tourney and against Summit Christian (at Palm Beach Atlantic University before a men’s game); the girls playing against Coral Springs Christian Academy; multiple teaching workshops; practices; service projects; tract distribution; and of course some fun at the beach and at Lion Country Safari. The theme for this trip is: LIONS’ PRIDE!

First we need your prayers. This trip will definitely take players out of their comfort zones. We are hoping to get many prayer-partners and are asking you to be one!

Secondly we need financial support. The basic budget for this trip will be $500 per participant. As a program we are trying to cover these costs via donations. If you feel the Lord’s call to be a part of this project in this way it would be much appreciated.

To give financially to this project, make a check out to InBounds Ministries. On the memo line simply put “SCS Road Trip.” Thank you for your prayers and your consideration of financial partnership.

Give ‘em the ROCK!
The Coaches and Players of Statesville Christian School
The Coaches of InBounds Ministries

• You can find out more about InBounds Ministries at www.InboundsMinistries.com
• You can find out more about Statesville Christian School at statesvillechristian.org

November 8, 2010 - Commit, De-commit, Re-commit

2010-11-08T20:55:00.000-05:00

This time of year involves many high school players making commitments to colleges. Recently one of my favorite players of all time, Tyler Lewis, committed to North Carolina State. (Way to go Lil’ T!) I loved talking with T as he was in the process of making this choice. Although he had met many coaches and heard many offers, he finally decided he wanted to stay fairly close to home and that he trusts Coach Lowe and Coach Towe at NC State.

Also in last week’s news was a talented point guard named Myck Kabongo. Myck had verbally committed to the University of Texas, then de-committed, and then re-committed shortly there after. Many in the media and on the message boards have jumped on this kid, yet what a hard decision when you have so many things being said to you. Who do you trust? Who is worthy of your commitment? Is the commitment what is truly best for you in the long run?

I just know from dealing with these highly recruited kids, the decision is very difficult and at times very confusing. Yet isn’t that true in all of life? A college choice is a big decision for any kid going to school. Picking a major can be a difficult choice that sometimes involves a “de-commitment.” What about when as an adult a job offer comes along? Is the one you are dating the one you want to spend your life committed to? Etc. Etc.

When it all boils down to it choices are difficult and usually uncertainties. Yet there is area of commitment where you will never go wrong. Once you have trusted in Christ as Savior (accepted God’s commitment to you), it is only reasonable that you would commit your ways to Him. After all you can always trust God!

So first let me remind you that the Scriptures are full of promises and commitments to us from a never-failing God. Because of that…

Commit your ways to God! Live your life according to His Word!

Proverbs 16: 2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Psalm 37: 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

So it is really very basic – when making decisions in your life, make sure you are delighting in the Lord, and then you can trust the desires in your heart. If He is your primary focus, He will direct you!

(By the way: Go Wolfpack!)

November 1, 2010 - Get Bored or Get Better!

2010-10-31T23:24:00.000-04:00

I am preparing to leave with my 2nd oldest son for his “man-trip.” On the trip he will be required to handle the budget, map the routes, etc. he is also the one that gets to choose the activities, where we eat, times we leave, etc. I am responsible for the Biblical life lessons that pertain to becoming a man of God! It is time for him to step up to the big leagues!

His choice of activity is to go to the Hiddenite Gems Emerald Hollow Mine and to try to strike the mother-load! As he looked at costs he had to allow for the rental fee for some digging tools. It would make no sense to go in the mine and just use our hands to scratch the surface. In order to find the good stuff we need to dig!

The same principle holds true when I am running clinics or practices. We go through multiple drills that are very repetitive and I always have some that are just going through the motions – just scratching the surface. I urge them to dig deep – to push themselves. I tell them it is their choices on whether they will “get bored or get better!” Things do get boring when we are just scratching the surface!

How about your personal Bible study and your prayer life? Most people I know struggle with these areas. I think it is because we tend to just go through the motions and scratch the surface. We don’t allow for the time or energy it takes to get to know God more. We need to remember that the Scripture calls itself a treasure, therefore we need to dig!

Proverbs 2:1-5 Good friend, take to heart what I'm telling you; collect my counsels and guard them with your life. Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding. That's right—if you make Insight your priority, and won't take no for an answer, Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt, Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; you'll have come upon the Knowledge of God.(The Message)

When it comes to your spiritual life it is your choice: Get bored or get better!

October 25, 2010 - Practice Makes Permanent

2010-10-25T12:35:00.000-04:00

Vince Lombardi said, “Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”

Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Bobby Knight said, “Everyone has the will to win but few have the will to prepare to win.”

There is an old phrase that says, “Life is what you make it.”

So what are your goals? Your dreams? Your desires?

What are you doing about it?

The athletes I deal with often talk of dreams of playing in college or maybe even the pros. I ask them the same question, “What are you doing about it?” I have them evaluate their days and determine what their priorities truly are. In the grand scheme of things they have very few hours to work with. They have to sleep, go to school, eat, etc. Then they are left with choosing what to do during those few hours. I remind them that video games, Facebook, and television do not help them achieve their goals. I remind them that practice is what is needed!

Do your goals include the pursuit of holiness? Is godliness something you long for? Do you want to honor the Lord in your life? If so, then what are you “practicing”?

Matthew 7: 24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (NIV)

Notice that a wise mans puts Christ’s Words into “practice.” This is an intentional desire to look for and live out the Word. It is a daily commitment to practicing doing right things.

Philippians 4:9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. (NIV)

I tell players that practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes permanent! Therefore you have to practice correctly. Godliness doesn’t just happen. It is a result of putting the Word into action in your life. How can you intentionally practice or do good today? How about serving someone in the name of Christ!

October 18, 2010 - Cowboys Beat The Cowboys!

2010-10-18T14:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday as I lay on my couch watching some football the commentators began discussing the game that had just finished. They made the following remark, “The Cowboys beat the Cowboys.” My wife was walking through the room and was puzzled by the remark. When I put the remark in context it made complete sense; they beat themselves through bad choices and penalties. The Cowboys were very sloppy and loose with the game and it cost them! (In basketball when I am coaching I teach about this by reminding the players to “value every possession.”)

In football penalties are a killer. When on offense they stall your forward progress. On defense they allow the other team to advance. Penalties lead to the old phrase of “1 step forward and 2 steps back.” They are the result of a lack of mental and physical discipline.

When a player gets tired, the first thing to go is his mind; that is why so many dumb things happen in the 4th quarter of any sport. Sometimes players come into games unprepared mentally. Sometimes players simply do not care. All these things lead to bad choices that hurt the team.

I believe most of our shortcomings as believers result from being undisciplined. We are not completely focused on God’s game plan. We have not allowed the Scriptures to transform our minds. We have ignored the warnings in the book of Colossians that tell us to guard our minds and avoid the world’s philosophies.

Our lives really do break down to good and bad choices; ones that keep us moving forward or ones that set us back.

Proverbs 1

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Don’t beat yourself in the game of life; make right, disciplined choices.

October 11, 2010 - Philly Phanatic

2010-10-11T12:29:00.000-04:00

Well we are almost through the first round of the Major League Baseball playoffs and there has been some amazing pitching going on by the Philadelphia Phillies. Their hurlers are in an amazing zone – a fanatical focus! And whenever I think of the Phillies I always think of the Phillie Phanatic! He is one of the most recognizable mascots in all of sports.

Obviously I am emphasizing the word fanatic. I think of the fans that are so sold out to their teams, even if their teams are in a losing season. Sometimes they are so devoted that they can’t even objectively watch the games. They are the fans with painted faces and team gear. They have team bumper stickers on their cars and flags flying from their car windows. They are the fans that leave no doubt where their allegiances lie.

The definition of fanatic includes the idea of extreme enthusiasm or belief.

Are you a fanatic? I am not asking about a sports team right now. I am asking if you are fanatical about Jesus?

Yesterday I heard a great message about the fanatical Apostle Paul. This guy was singularly focused on Christ. He talked about Him all the time – including when he was in prison. He left no doubt about his allegiance to Christ.

Philippians 3:12-14 says: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The pastor pointed out yesterday the following words: “but one thing I do.” Do you see the singular focus there?

Our allegiances are too spread out. We live in a society with not much time for Jesus. Oh we may show up for scheduled church services but does your devotion to Him lead you to talking about him throughout your days? Is it evident to others whose team you are on?

Years ago the group DC Talk used the following terms to describe a Jesus fanatic: Jesus Freak! They made the following statement in the song: “I don’t really care if they label me a Jesus Freak, there ain’t no denying the truth!”

October 4, 2010 - SQUARE UP!

2010-10-04T12:28:00.000-04:00

As I conducted a clinic yesterday afternoon I kept being reminded of a constant theme: staying on course! I told the kids that I wanted them to listen with both their eyes and ears because that would help them concentrate. (I had also given an invitation as I was preaching yesterday morning that asked people to bow heads and close eyes; all for the same purpose of avoiding distractions.) I regularly remind players to find playing partners that have their same goals; that are headed in the same direction. As I taught a short session on shooting I told them how they needed to lock in on their target and keep their feet, hips, and shoulders square to the target. I told them how to train their eyes to stay focused on the rim (the target.)

Isn’t all of life about staying the course? We need to remember the simple truths of the Proverbs that encourage us to be singularly focused and stay the course. (And the parts that warn us of the alternative choices that lead to destruction.)

Our lives need to be characterized by us “squaring up” to our target of righteousness. From our eyes to our feet we need to stay on course. Here is the admonition found in Proverbs 4 (The Message):

20-22 Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health.

23-27 Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.

SQUARE UP! LOCK IN ON YOUR TARGET!

September 27, 2010 - Another Level

2010-09-27T10:04:00.000-04:00

I had the privilege this past weekend of hosting the most insanely intense basketball clinician I have ever witnessed. This guy was an incredible teacher and motivator. He was able to teach not only things that will help the players in basketball but also incredible life skills. (His name is Jason Otter. I highly recommend booking his organization for basketball camps. See www.otterbasketball.com)

A few of the things he emphasized really jumped out at me. They reminded me that all of the truths that make one successful in life can ultimately be traced back to God’s Word. Let me give you 3 quick examples:

1. As a player Jason emphasized having balance and a solid core. He spent a lot of time working on how to physically not be moved. I believe that is the same message that Paul spiritually gave the Corinthians when he told them to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

2. As a player Jason emphasized the importance of “living low.” He was emphasizing how much more acceleration one gets and how much more ground gets covered by doing this. The Scriptures give the same command of “living low.” Paul tells the Philippians in chapter 2 to “in lowliness of mind” to consider others as “more important than self”; he reminds us that our example is Christ Himself.

3. Jason also emphasized efficiency of movement. He very clearly broke down the physical movements required to maximize one’s speed and ground coverage. This to is a great spiritual principle. Paul tells the Ephesians to “redeem the time because the days are evil.” In the same chapter it compares not walking in wisdom with being drunk and tells us that being unwise is “dissipation” or in other words “wasted movement” in life.

Jason’s dedication to his craft reminded me how important our “spiritual training” is in life. Jason’s desire for these basketball players is to take them to another level. My desire through the sharing of God’s Word with you is the same: help you take it to another level!

September 20, 2010 - RETRO

2010-09-20T23:44:00.000-04:00

“Been there; done that!” There is something to be said for those with experience. Like the old saying goes, “experience is the best teacher.”

We live in a world that is always looking for new cutting edge ideas and approaches to things. Often times I hear things called “old-fashioned” just because it is the way it was done by our parents or grandparents.

I admit I am “retro” as a coach. I believe in the fundamentals of the game. I believe in hard work and selfless passion. I believe in (as John Wooden would say) the name on the front of the jersey being more important than the name on the back. I admit that I think the “old days” gave us a better picture of teamwork and commitment. (Although the retro game shorts that were worn I can do without - not the picture I like to remember.)

I remember coaches being so frustrated if a player dribbled between his legs or behind his back. There would often be a scream that we were there to play basketball, not dance! I understand that philosophy and yet I teach dribbling between the legs and behind the back; but as part of the fundamentals to get the job done – not to dance!

In other words new things are fine as long as they don’t distort the principles of old. I think styles are fine as long as they don’t replace substance. We do not need to throw out the past but should learn from it. The past is our foundational or fundamental principles to live by.

The Bible is not old-fashioned! It is absolutely relevant for today! I am all for contemporary things yet often find an absence of good “old-fashioned” truth.

I am reminded of the song the group 4Him did many years ago. It said “we need to get back to the basics of life…”

Does God’s Word play an important part in your day? Are you allowing it to transform your mind?

Psalm 119:31 gives you a simple thought on the importance of God’s Word: “I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame!”

I am “retro” in that I go back to the basics of God’s Word!

September 13, 2010 - Strong Enough To Lose

2010-09-13T16:16:00.000-04:00

For those of you that are athletes I have some questions: Are you a player that often questions calls from the ref? Do you second-guess your coach? When on the playground do you end up in a lot of disputes over calls?

What about off the court (for athletes, former athletes, non-athletes)? Is your life characterized by arguments to get your way? Maybe this takes place on the job, at school, or at home - you find yourself in altercations.

Why do you end up in disputes? Maybe you feel you have to stand up for your rights (no self-respecting American would get walked on.) Maybe you justify by saying you simply want the truth to be known – you want justice! Maybe you just can’t help pointing out that you are right and somebody else blew it.

When it all comes down to it there is one singular cause to arguing – PRIDE! Even when you are right, pride can rear its ugly head in demanding that others see it. And most of the time the argument is just a smoke screen to cover that you were wrong – you messed up!

We each need to determine if we are more concerned with our American approach of “Don’t tread on me!” or in the Christian response of willfully considering others as more important than self. Will we demand our rights or will we walk an extra mile when 1 mile is demanded of us. Will we get what we deserve or give the shirts off of our backs? (See Philippians 2 and Matthew 5)

Are you strong enough to humble yourself? Are you strong enough to let others get the spotlight? Are you strong enough to be seen as weak? Are you strong enough to lose the argument? What Christ called us to is not the norm!

Proverbs 13:10 By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel. (The Message)

September 6, 2010 - Visualization - Perspiration = Frustration

2010-09-06T14:25:00.000-04:00

Happy Labor Day - what a great time to be reminded about the value of hard work! Over and over I am reminded that anything worth having is worth working for. I am reminded that dreams and visions are fulfilled by blood, sweat, and tears.

Last night my son was watching some basketball videos on YouTube and came up stairs telling me about one where the coach encouraged his players to sit with a ball in hand every night before going to sleep; then close their eyes and mentally think through their free throw routine, envisioning 10 straight swishes. This is called visualization.

Although I see some merit with that, I also know that visualization without perspiration leads to frustration. Dreaming (visualization) doesn’t fill a hungry belly. Proverbs 16:26 says it this way: “Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder.” (The Message)

Liberty and freedom are direct results of hard work and sacrifice. Our salvation is the result of Christ’s sacrifice. Anything that we strive to accomplish in life is a result of our hard work and sacrifice.

Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table. (Proverbs 14:23)

“Without labor nothing prospers.”
- Sophocles

“The only liberty an inferior man really cherishes is the liberty to quit work, stretch out in the sun, and scratch himself.” ~H.L. Mencken

What are you hungry for? What do you dream about? It is time to put in some hard work!

August 30, 2010 - Are you ready Keep?

2010-08-30T16:02:00.000-04:00

I am so proud of my boy Daniel DeGraff! He is a young man that played basketball for me a few years ago, but his main sport is soccer. He is now a freshman at High Point Univ. and a keeper (goalie) on their soccer team.

I am proud of him for a couple of reasons; first and foremost because of his character. Last year as a senior at Statesville Christian School I watched Daniel not only excel in sports and academics but also in mentoring younger guys in our school (including my son who was a freshman.)

Secondly I am proud of his athletic accomplishments. Being a goalie at a division 1 institution is a huge task – especially as just a 6’ tall guy. The thing that is so impressive is that as a freshman he has dressed as the number 2 keeper – which has been a result of an incredible amount of hard work and dedication.

There are other guys vying for that position – one of which Daniel has admitted is neck and neck with him on ability and athleticism. Yet Daniel’s response when asked about this young man is, “He makes me better. He pushes me.” In other words “iron is sharpening iron.” (See Proverbs 27:17 for this truth)

I think about the beginning of soccer games when the ref yells out, “Are you ready Keep?” I know Daniel is ready because of effort, dedication, and a like-minded training partner that pushes him to excellence.

How about you? Are you surrounded by others that spur you on to excellence in life? I am talking about in pursuing your dreams and most importantly in pursuing the Lord.

We all need those like-minded training partners to sharpen us!

August 23, 2010 - A Player's Heart

2010-08-23T17:03:00.001-04:00

What is required of players? - Being on time to practice; giving maximum effort; listening to the coaches; etc. Every coach has a list of expectations for players.

In the Christian world we have far too often keyed on the very specific rules that God has set forth (or in some cases we have set forth) as our guidelines or expectations. Yet that is far too simplistic of an approach.

As a coach I look for attitudes as much as aptitudes. I want players that give maximum effort with maximum respect and dedication. I try to measure the heart.

I think that is what Jesus was saying when He summed up the Law with “loving God and loving others.” That is basically what is stated in Micah 6:8. The verse states point blank what “the Lord requires” of us:

• Act justly! (Be fair in your dealings with others. Do what is right.)
• Love mercy! (Be forgiving and kind to others.)
• Walk humbly with your God! (Realize who you are before the Almighty, Holy God!)

God measures the heart based upon our love for Him and others.

21 Would not God search this out?
For He knows the secrets of the heart. (Psalm 44)

August 16, 2010 - Planning

2010-08-16T22:58:00.002-04:00

As the new school year has started my son has been discussing his plans with me. I talked to him about everything from his typical basketball shot charts to the importance of his grade point average. He has set his plan to be a better student and also to work out harder than ever to prepare for basketball season.I think it is great that he is starting to understand the importance of planning and goal setting.

Are you a goal setter? In order to be successful there must be measurable results. Yet ultimately I believe there is an even more important ingredient: why you are setting the goals. Is it all about you or are your plans to honor and glorify God? Do you realize that as believers our goals here on earth should ultimately be Kingdom focused?

The Apostle Paul said, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)

Paul also said this in Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

I think these are strong verses that go to the heart of the motive of our plans.
Proverbs 16 says the following:

3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.

August 9, 2010 - Eyes and Ears

2010-08-08T22:47:00.001-04:00

As I was conducting basketball clinics this past week I was reminded of the importance of training the eyes. As I teach shooting skills I spend a lot of time explaining to the kids how to position their bodies. We discuss the feet, knees, behinds, shoulders, arms, and even the eyes.

As I was telling one little girl to get her feet pointed toward the goal, she began trying to watch her feet while she was shooting. Therefore here eyes were not on the rim – the target. A shooter has to train his or her eyes just like the rest of the body is trained.

I also was reminded of the importance of the eyes in listening skills (while in a clinic for 1st through 5th graders.) I thought of my good friend, Coach Rick Lewis. Rick always reminds his players to listen with not only their ears but also their eyes – to stay focused and not be distracted by other things.

In this hustle-and-bustle world we live in we are easily distracted. I encourage you to set some priorities in your life and get focused on them. I encourage you to get your “eyes” off of things that are wasting your time. Train your eyes!

The most important place is to train your eyes to God’s Word – His way of doing things. The Scriptures tell us in Ephesians to “redeem the time.” I love the simple way it is put in Psalm 119 verse 37:

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.

In other words make sure your eyes and ears are tuned into what God has for you!

August 2, 2010 - Good Coaches and Bad Coaches

2010-08-02T18:24:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday I heard a message from Genesis 22 where Abraham is willing and prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. The application points showed that Abraham’s obedience to God was immediate and un-questioning. Abraham fully trusted God. God had made a promise that Isaac was the heir of promise and Abraham knew God would provide.

It reminded me of a discussion I had with my son recently. We were discussing his teen-age tendency to respond to directives he does not like with the flippant response of “Whatever.”

I used as examples how he responds to his mother and me; how he responds to his coaches; how he will eventually responds to bosses, etc. I told him that I would not choose him as a team captain if I were his coach because I see his body language and “whatever” responses. I used as an example the fact that over the years I have had many circumstances where I disagreed with my bosses, yet remained silent and simply did my job.

He then said, “But what if the leader is wrong?” He said, “Why didn’t you speak up to your boss? You are a man and he is a man. You have a right to share your thoughts.”

I told him he is a much better American than Christian. I explained that submission is a Christian quality we often struggle with. Last week’s devotion talked about us acting differently than the world. Listen to what 1 Peter chapter 2 tells us about this very issue:

18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 “ Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

It doesn’t get any clearer than this. We are responsible to be submissive – to the good coaches and bad coaches in life! Even to our earthly leaders our responses should be immediate and un-questioning! (Obviously as long as we are not being instructed to sin.)

July 26, 2010 - We Cannot Remain Silent

2010-07-25T23:14:00.000-04:00

Tonight I went to pick up my son at a local park near where we are staying. He has been going up there in the evenings to run in some basketball games. Tonight I got out of the van to watch some 1-on-1 action taking place with the few guys that were left.

Honestly the action was not overly exciting. They all seemed to be a bit lethargic concerning strength and stamina, but quite energetic with the mouth; except for the smallest guy up there who quietly won each game I watched him play.

The thing that stood out to me was how mouthy a couple of the guys were. Even as I walked up they continued their vulgarities and their weak attempts at sounding tough. I have been around mouthy players all of my life. I have been around playgrounds and heard all the words that they can come up with. Yet most of the time when an older adult came up the teens would show a bit of restraint and respect.

I know this is not coming across as much of a devotional to this point; and more of a rant against society. Please don’t misunderstand me. I do not expect the world to talk like I expect Christians to talk. I am just making the point that the Judeo-Christian ethic of our country is almost non-existent now. (This should allow for us as Christians to stand out even more – even a more stark contrast to the world!)

As I spoke with one of the young men courtside I was asking him where he, and the others, attended school. When I asked about the loudest and most vulgar mouth of the bunch I was informed that he had just graduated from a local Christian high school.

Obviously this gives me great fuel for devotions with my own kids. I hope you will take the following things to heart.

1 Peter 2: 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Please note: We are not seen as different just because we don’t talk or act like the world; we are seen as different because we talk and act differently than the world!!!!!!!!!

It is not enough to simply stay silent; we are called to “proclaim the praises” of God!

We cannot remain silent! It is time to get loud and proud about our Savior!

July 19, 2010 - Winning is a habit!

2010-07-18T22:09:00.002-04:00

One of the things a coach is responsible for is to help his team learn how to win. To some that seems like a ridiculous statement – “doesn’t that just come with scoring more points?” Technically speaking - yes. But there are other aspects to this, especially when facing strong competition. What I mean by this is a team must be taught the difference between “playing to win” vs. “playing not to lose.”

This happens when facing a strong opponent, maybe one that others expect to beat your team. When your team gets ahead they start tightening up and “playing not to lose” (afraid of making mistakes.) They seem shocked to be ahead in the game as though they had not truly expected to be there. This is where the coaching comes in to get them over that hump to where they not only expect to be winning, but are shocked when they are behind.

How does this happen? Obviously that is why so many hours are spent practicing and honing individual skills. Hours are spent teaching teamwork. A coach’s job is preparation physically and mentally. He has to let the players know that he is right there with them – guiding them – earning their trust. Then it comes down to a simple formula: success breeds success! The players have to battle through the uncertainties of the game and find themselves on the winning side. Or as the great Vince Lombardi said: “Winning is a habit!”

How free do you think players would be if the coach told them they couldn’t lose? If they truly believed that no matter how bleak the game looked or how huge their opponent is, they have the winning formula? What great confidence!

Do you realize that life is much like a game? Sometimes the opponents (struggles) seem too large or great. Yet other times seem to go very easy. Our goal as believers is to understand that our victory is found in the same place in either circumstance – the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul understood it as he faced a very topsy-turvy life. He endured beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, etc. He also had times of prosperity where the churches took great care of him. Through it all he found contentment and victory in Christ! (See Philippians 4:13)

King David understood it as he wrote the famous 23rd Psalm. He found his comfort in the “green pastures and quiet waters” or in “the valley of the shadow of death.” He knew it was God’s presence that was his victory. (Heard a great message on this passage this morning by the interim pastor at my in-laws’ church. He is a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University and did a great job pointing out the ever-present, pursuing God of David!)

Read through Psalm 23 and see how David found victory! He ends the psalm with the assurance that he will win in the end – he will “dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”

For the believer – winning should be a habit – after all it is a guarantee!

July 12, 2010 - Who is the star of the team?

2010-07-12T11:09:00.001-04:00

When coaching basketball the goal is to keep the players focus on the game plan and good of the team. Yet it is a sport that makes it easy for players to focus on personal achievement and acknowledgement.

John Wooden would not allow the names of the players to be put on the back of their jerseys so he could remind them that the only name that mattered was on the front of the jersey. Although he had some of the most gifted players on the planet, he emphasized that UCLA was the “star.”

We have been studying the book of Acts at church and it amazes me how focused the early church was. Christ was always the “star” of the “team.” No matter what was going on they came back to proclaiming Christ!

In chapter 4 we see that the Holy Spirit’s power was so great that the house was shaken. Yet in response the believers didn’t shout about the shaking, they shouted about the Word of God.

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

My good friend Roy Mason has been leading this journey through Acts and made a great observation. Before Saul was named Paul he always received “second billing”; every time he is mentioned it is “Barnabas and Saul.” Yet after Paul was prepared for ministry the tone changes and it is “Paul and Barnabas.” May not seem like a big deal to most but it says a lot about Barnabas as a team player. He did not care who the “star” was.

Dr Mason gives a very simple philosophy for us as a church/team. “It is amazing how much can be accomplished if we don’t care who gets the credit!”

Remember that the “name on the front of your jersey”: is that of CHRISTian. You should be concerned with Christ and His Word getting the glory!

July 5, 2010 - Pursuit

2010-07-05T13:09:00.000-04:00

Tonight I will begin another week of basketball camps here in NC. The past 2 weeks have been labeled “Basic Training”; this week we are entering “Advanced Individual Training.” This camp will go beyond the typical hoops training and devotionals we do and actually encourage each player to think through some individual goals’ both on and off the court. We will adhere to our goal of creating total players: body, mind, & Spirit.

The goal is to get them to understand a great maxim from Coach John Wooden to “make each day your masterpiece.” This involves being very intentional with one’s day. It involves an active pursuit of one’s goals.

We are going to work hard! John Wooden also said that “goals achieved with little effort are seldom worthwhile or lasting.”

I will direct the players tonight to do the same thing I am directing each of you to do in this devotional; prioritize your life! Where does family, friends, sports, job/school, entertainment, etc. fit into your schedule? Where does God fit into all of this? (How is your Bible study, prayer life, etc.?) [God should both supersede and also affect all the other areas of priority.]

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2)

Notice the individual responsibility; the intentionality; the pursuit! This looks like a great “game plan” for life!

June 28, 2010 - STAND

2010-06-28T09:46:00.000-04:00

Last week I started this summer’s round of basketball camps here in North Carolina. I started with the younger kids, and even at the young ages I notice a common characteristic in people – pride! I am not talking about the pride that is evidenced by a cocky outward demeanor; but instead that is evidenced by a fear of failure and that someone may be watching.

As I introduce new disciplines in the game or ask the players to use their “weak-hand” to attempt a drill, I immediately see the wheels start turning in their minds and the fear that they will mess up. In response often I see the “paralysis of analysis” take place: the mind goes through all the possible outcomes and as a result the body stays paralyzed doing nothing.

I often quote John Wooden on this subject. He regularly talked about the fact that the “doer makes mistakes.” He talked of the fact that if you are unwilling to mess up you will never taste success.

This morning I read another great quote on this subject of how we view failure. It was given by Fedor Emelianenko, a mixed martial arts fighter from Russia. Fedor has been considered by many to be the greatest fighter in the history of MMA. He has gone 10 years (28 straight fights) without being defeated. This is so amazing because in this particular sport it simply takes one small mistake to be in a bad position and allow your opponent to strike.

Saturday night this happened to Fedor. He was dominating his fight but then made just enough of a mistake to allow his opponent to put a submission hold on him. It was a huge upset in MMA and one would think that it would be a huge blow to Fedor. Yet his response was worthy of note: “The one who doesn’t fall never stands up,”

I run into many Christians that do not attempt great things for God because they feel unworthy or fear failure. Through their analyzing of self-worth and abilities, they forget a simple fact that God is the one that empowers us. I love the old quote that says, “The only ability God is concerned with in us is our ‘avail”-ability.

Yesterday our worship pastor at our church gave a great reminder from Isaiah (6:1-8) about this very thing. When we see the awesome, almighty God we are humbled and recognize our weakness and imperfection. Yet then we also see his cleansing power and hear His request of “Whom shall I send?”

Our continual response should be “Here am I! Send me.”

But what if you mess up? 1 John 1:9 tells us of God’s continual forgiveness that is available to us!

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Summer Update and Prayer Needs

2010-06-22T15:21:00.000-04:00

Hello Sports Fans,

As we have now officially entered into our summer swing of ministry, I wanted to give everyone an update on our schedule and things to pray about. We started the summer with a swing through multiple states. I was able to officiate a wedding for a former student down in Florida; we were able to stop and see Lisa’s sister and her family in Alabama; we made a stop in Indiana for a quick meeting with our ministry’s treasurer; and finally the family was able to camp in Virginia as my oldest son participated in a basketball camp at Liberty University. All of this was done in 1 week!

Now we are back in North Carolina for a few weeks. I started the first of 3 week-long basketball camps on Monday night. That will carry us through the first week of July. My oldest son Clay will leave on July 3 for his 2-week mission trip to London. Following his return we will head to southern Florida for a bit of family time and also for Lisa and me to have a brief ministry retreat for planning and praying; I will also have some preaching engagements down there. As August hits then Clay and I will fly to St. Louis, MO for some hoops clinics and multiple speaking engagements. Then back to NC to prep for the upcoming school year.

It is a busy schedule but also an exciting schedule as we will have many opportunities to share the Good News that God sent a Substitute into the “game of life!”

[The only change to our original plans is that our scheduled trip to the West Indies has been postponed. Simply put there was not enough fundraising accomplished to fund this trip.]

Beyond the summer we are working on numerous camp/clinic plans and scheduling our next ROCK’em Road Trips. (One is already in the works for the varsity basketball teams from Statesville Christian School over their Christmas break.) There are also many overseas opportunities that have been presented to us for prayer and consideration; including a request to return to the Czech Republic for basketball camps.

One major change involves our treasurer position in the ministry. After serving in that role since our ministry’s inception, Jeff Johnson has stepped down. He is still a part of our board of directors but simply does not have the time to keep serving in this capacity. (I hope you read his letter that I posted online.) Therefore all of the financial record keeping and banking will now go through an account here in North Carolina with Lisa Burden serving as the treasurer. (The new mailing address for contributions is found on the website – www.InBoundsMinistries.com – under the support tab. Contributions can also be made there via PayPal.)

As we look at immediate prayer needs I ask you to take the time to lift up the following:

1. Our account balance is very low. I take a very modest salary from the ministry in order to try to insure that we have enough to actually do the work of ministry. Please pray that the needed funds will come in for our ministry to continue going forward. I guarantee it is money wisely invested! We are seeing souls saved and believers encouraged!

2. Pray for Lisa as she steps into this new treasurer role.

3. Pray for Clay as he heads overseas to do outreach.

4. Pray for travelling mercies throughout our summer schedule.

5. Pray for Matt and Rebekah in Indianapolis as InBounds Ministries has numerous things going on there through their efforts.

June 21, 2010 - Life is hard! Pray harder!

2010-06-21T13:42:00.000-04:00

This past weekend my son was able to participate in a basketball camp at Liberty University. When I picked him up after the camp he was worn out (and very sore.) The coaching staff and players at LU had really put the boys through it!

As he told me about the weekend I was impressed by the “welcome” that the staff/team gave to the boys. Coach Layer explained to them that he wanted them to see what Division 1 basketball was really like. He then sent his players onto the court for a demonstration of how physical and intense things are. They followed that with a weekend of having the campers put forth the same type of effort. My son told me he understood why players wear the padded compression gear. He said he was hurting and bruised in ways he had never experienced before.

What I appreciate about that approach is that things were not sugar-coated and glamorized. That level of play is not about bright lights and press clippings – it is about hard work and dedication. It was a true picture of the blood, sweat, and tears required.

It reminded of a great quote that “he who works the hardest is the last to surrender.”

This is especially important when relating to life. The Christian bookstores are filled with empty, glamorous promises that life will all of the sudden be peachy for believers. Yet Jesus makes a promise of a “Helper” (Comforter) for us when He leaves earth. Doesn’t that indicate that we are in uncomfortable situations? God calls Himself a “shelter” and a “refuge.” Doesn’t that indicate life will have storms? Paul talked of peace and joy in spite of circumstances. And the list could go on and on…

16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— (John 14)

9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 9)

9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4)

Life is hard! Pray harder!

June 14, 2010 - Short Fuse Equals Bad News

2010-06-14T20:48:00.000-04:00

Recently as I watched an NBA finals game I saw two of the Boston Celtics get technical fouls simply because they didn’t like calls. I’m not sure what planet they have been playing on to not realize that human referees will miss some calls. You would think they would realize that the loss of points due to technicals could cost them the game and possibly the championship.

Then earlier today I was reading of a player at the World Cup going into the game as a striker. It was a 0-0 game and he was very aggressive and getting some good looks on goal. But he had to be a bonehead and get 2 yellow cards within 15 minutes and thus get kicked out of the game - leaving his team a player short. As a result his team ended up losing the game.

Very simply put the sports world gives a great picture of life. If someone cannot control his or her emotions then he or she will end up screwing things up! This is not just my thoughts; they also happen to be God’s thoughts.

Proverbs 14:29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.

What is the answer to being short-tempered? How about walking in the Spirit? The result (fruit) of that includes patience, self-control, etc. (See Galatians 5:22)

June 7, 2010 - Legacy

2010-06-07T10:41:00.001-04:00

A few days ago I was watching a report on Kobe Bryant’s film study. He was sharing how he watches many of the past greats in order to learn from them (and admittedly “steal” their moves.) Kobe was giving great honor to the likes of Oscar Robertson, Julius Erving, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan. It was a great tribute to these former players.

I can imagine how special those guys must have felt while watching that interview; to know they had a part in developing a player that many consider to be the best in the game today – to have left behind a legacy of great play.

Yet as impressive as that was, it paled in comparison to the legacy that is being talked about in the news the last couple of days – the legacy of John Wooden. Here is a guy that engineered the greatest college basketball dynasty ever (10 championships in 12 years) yet that is just a side note in the articles being written about Coach Wooden since his death a few days ago at the age of 99.

Over and over those that were touched by Coach Wooden have talked about how much he taught them about life. Each report mentions John Wooden the teacher. His players talk about what an honor it was to be his student. I even noticed the second generation affects of the coach. As Bill Walton (former UCLA player) paid homage to the coach in a pre-game ceremony, the cameras moved to Luke Walton (Bill’s son and a Los Angles Laker) as he wiped away tears. Throughout Luke’s life his dad would write down maxims from Coach Wooden and include them with his son’s lunches.

Coach Wooden often talked of the importance of character and responsibility. He talked of the importance of education and drinking from a good book, especially the Bible.

In all of his greatness as a basketball coach, he never made over $35,000 a year from the game of basketball. He even worked a second job as he started at UCLA just to get by. He used the game as a platform for teaching much more important things. (That is precisely why I am a Sports-Missionary.)

What about you? What type of legacy are you building? Are you leaving a wake behind you that makes a difference in other’s lives?

Proverbs 22
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

May 31, 2010 - Team-Centered

2010-05-31T23:03:00.001-04:00

Often in sports you hear of players or teams “playing tight.” Maybe they are nervous and crumbling under pressure. Maybe the player feels he is always on a short leash with his coach. Maybe they are simply afraid of failure, so they tense up and in turn fail. These players do not appear to be having any fun when they are playing – they are slaves to the game; they have no freedom – no liberty.

I am thankful for the liberty we have in our country. I was able yesterday to preach on this subject without fear. We were able to worship God openly without retribution. I am thankful for those that believe so strongly in the “unalienable right” of liberty that they have sacrificed their own “unalienable right” to life to preserve it.

I am also thankful for the liberty I have in Christ. He was willing to sacrifice His life to offer me the free gift of eternal life. In doing so He also purchased my freedom!

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Therefore I can “play the game of life” with joy; not afraid of failure; not afraid of the Coach; no longer a slave.

I encourage each of you to rejoice in your liberty. Yet I also remind you of the danger of abusing liberty. There is a very clear warning in Galatians 5 verse 13: For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Isn’t that a great reminder of teamwork?

The third “unalienable right” that our country boasts of is the right to the “pursuit of happiness.” This seems innocent enough. And based upon the oppression the founding fathers had endured is a reasonable statement. Yet this is why liberty has some dangers; our pursuit of personal happiness, if unchecked, can lead to a me-centered instead of team-centered attitude. And that goes against both our country’s constitution and the Scriptures which call for us to “serve one another.”

Let me challenge you today to use your liberty to reach out to others. Use your liberty to choose to do right. Remember that “selfish ambition” is a work of the flesh. (See Galatians 5:20)

Christian, you are free to love God and love others!

May 24, 2010 - We're In This Together

2010-05-24T18:37:00.000-04:00

Often times I hear coaches talking about communication on the floor or in the field. The simple truth is that players need to learn to communicate with one another if they are going to function as a team.

Yet most communication I hear from players is the complaining after something has gone wrong, whether it is pointing fingers at teammates and referees. There is very little team communication going on in sports today.

It is seldom I hear a player warn his teammate that a pick is coming. It is seldom that I hear a player cry out to teammate for help when he is beaten by his man. It is seldom I hear a player tell his teammates, “That was my bad, thanks for picking me up.”

Successful teams realize they are in it together! They all need each other in order to function properly. Each man needs help at times, yet each man is expected to carry his own load of responsibility. And all of it centers around communicating those things to one another.

In the church, our team needs to learn to communicate. We need to recognize that we are in this game of life together. We will at times mess up and need help. We will at times see opportunity to pick up the slack for a teammate. We are each expected to humbly carry our load of responsibility. We need to remain focused on the goal!

Galatians 6 reminds us that we will have teammates that screw up; our response to help that teammate through the problem. It goes on to remind us to not be proud and haughty, thinking we are above such problems, but instead to take personal inventory to make sure we are following through with our responsibilities. Then later we are reminded through it all that ultimately what matters is that Christ is preached and we glory in Him alone!

Read Galatians chapter 6 for a great reminder of teamwork. Make sure to note the goal found in verse 14: “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

May 17, 2010 - Problem or Purpose?

2010-05-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

I am thinking back to a game a few years ago where the players were getting pretty heated during the 1st half. Our team was ahead on the scoreboard but neither team was doing well when it came to attitudes. One particular young man on the opposing team was really struggling; he looked as if he would explode at any moment.

At half-time we headed down the tunnel to our locker rooms and I happened to be next to the young man from the opposing team. I could hear him huffing and snorting – this kid was fuming. I simply reached over and patted him on the back side and said this, “Young man, you are not going to help your team like this. Get it together so you can be your best.”

One of our student managers overheard this and was quite confused. The question was then posed to me, “Whose side are you on?” That student was simply confused at why I would encourage the “enemy.”

My response was very simple. In the locker room and in the huddle I will devise everything I can to help our team win on the scoreboard; yet the opponent is not the enemy. That other team was made up of young men that I cared about as people. It was not just about basketball; I wanted to plant into that kid’s life. (And honestly I prefer to beat people when they are at their best.)

I was reminded of this story by a church billboard I saw this weekend and then I was able to see that former student manager as well. The billboard said this: “People are not our problem; they are our purpose.” What a great reminder. Let’s go a step further and see how Jesus worded this sentiment:

Matthew 5: 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

May 10, 2010 - When In Doubt, Fill Out

2010-05-10T15:09:00.000-04:00

When I am coaching players I give them a basic rule of thumb for those times they are simply at a loss on the court: “when in doubt, fill out.” Basically this means if you are not sure what you ought to be doing or where you ought to be going then don’t go clogging up the middle and messing everything up.

This is rule is predicated by teaching them how to balance the floor – or in other words what positions they should “fill out” to. This way the team can maintain balance and the player can get his bearings.

In life we often go through times that we simply don’t know what to do next. Maybe there are “open doors” you have to choose between; maybe there is an “open door” yet no peace in going through; maybe you simply don’t see an “open door.”

Last week we talked about leadership needing to seek wise counsel. Decisions you need to make in life are a result of you being the “leader” of your life and if you want to honor God you need to follow His directions – seek counsel.

The first place that counsel is found is in His Word and in prayer. Any decisions you have to make should line up with Scripture. Secondly you need to talk with godly advisors! (Note that I said godly advisors. Just because someone is your friend, doesn’t make him a source of wisdom.)

The simple principle is that before we dive into doing something we need to seek God’s guidance – get our bearings.

Proverbs gives us this simple principle for the simple-minded: Chapter 9: 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

This is the cry from “Wisdom” that is made to us. I think we should study the Proverbs and see exactly where she can be found!

Maybe it is time to get out of the “clogged up middle” of our lives and “fill out” to God’s Word and His people to find clarity and direction.

2010 Summer Camp Opportunities (NC)

2010-05-05T09:42:00.003-04:00

Basic Training I
June 21-25, 2010 [6:00-8:00 PM]
Ages: 8-12 yrs old
*$50

Basic Training II
June 28-July 2, 2010 [6:00-8:00 PM]
Ages: 12-18 yrs old
*$50

A.I.T.
July 5-9, 2010 [6:00-9:00 PM]
Ages: 12-18 yrs old
*$75

*Camp Costs are suggested donations to help support the outreach of InBounds Ministries.
We do not want costs to stop any player from getting the opportunity to participate.

Basic Training Camps: Designed for basketball players to learn/refresh the fundamentals of the game [plus daily devotion time]
Intensity level = Moderate

Advanced Individual Training Camp: Intermediate & Advanced basketball players in order to make each player STRONGER
(Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually) [plus daily devotion time]
Intensity level = Very High

For more information -or- to register for a camp contact Coach Burden at:
CoachB@TotalPlayerAcademy.com

“Get schooled now…so you won’t be schooled later!”