Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 I'm not saying the mean things that guys do to you on the field are evil -- but they may be dirty and even mean. You need to make a choice. If you are going to do things God's way, you have to figure out how to overcome these things while doing something good. But, … [Read more...] about Overcome evil with good
60 Seconds
There are principles in the scripture that can be applied to athletics. These are quick direct applications. For now, most of them will be applied specifically to basketball, but they can help in other sports too.
Can you be angry and not sin?
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, Ephesians 4:26 ESV In basketball you see this play over and over. A guy gets out in the open court. He makes a move and throws up a shot. It doesn't go in and there isn't a call. The guy gets angry -- he might be angry at himself for making a dumb move or missing an easy … [Read more...] about Can you be angry and not sin?
Wisdom and Understanding
Blessed are those who find wisdom and who gain understanding Proverbs 2:11 NIV They are more profitable than silver, and yield better returns than gold. To play basketball, I want to understand the game -- the rules, the way it was designed, everything I can find. I hear that this guy Naismith created the modern game we have of basketball … [Read more...] about Wisdom and Understanding
More than Conquerors
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NIV If you wipe out the weeds in the back yard, but are a conqueror. If you wipe out the weeds and then plant some fruit trees, you are more than a conqueror. If you beat an opponent, you are a conqueror. If you play hard and tough against an … [Read more...] about More than Conquerors
Physical Training
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. I Timothy 4:8 NIV There is value in physical training. It makes you stronger and tougher. Godliness works the same way. It makes you stronger and tougher spiritually. The physical toughness … [Read more...] about Physical Training
Rules
... if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. II Timothy 2:5 NIV Learn the rules of the game that you are playing. It helps you in the split second decisions. In soccer when it comes to the end line or side line, whether it is in bounds or not depends on where the … [Read more...] about Rules
You Can’t Do It Alone
There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:4, 16 NIV Watch a soccer player get the ball in the back, and try to take it all the way up … [Read more...] about You Can’t Do It Alone
Good Under Pressure
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. I Peter 4:7 NIV When you get to the end of the game things can get more intense. If you can keep your mind clear and be self-controlled, you will have an advantage over the player who is running on emotions. You want to be able to take action, … [Read more...] about Good Under Pressure
Various Trials
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness James 1:3 ESV Things will come your way when you are playing basketball. Some good, some bad, and some ugly things. You know that things will happen. Go into it happy to take them on. That doesn’t mean … [Read more...] about Various Trials
Encouragement 401
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 ESV This is the final encouragement. Jesus went ahead of you, he dealt with everything that had to deal with, and oh yeah took on the … [Read more...] about Encouragement 401
