Alphabetical
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December 27, 2006
Set:
It's two days after Christmas. What a day Monday was, full of wonderful gifts both given and received. But I learned a great lesson on Monday as I was getting ready for the day. That morning I looked into the mirror and took a good hard look at where I had been this past year. In sports, we all have to do the same thing. We have to look at what kind of athlete, coach or teammate we are becoming. For me, I realized, as I looked intently at my life, that I am celebrating two unique anniversaries this year. . .
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October 29, 2007
Set:
Have you ever been accused of being too competitive? That's probably a stupid question if you're reading this devotion. The likely answer is yes. Me, too. In fact, that happened to me recently when I revealed a lofty goal I had regarding marathon competition and my next attempt at a PR. Shortly after I mentioned the plan, I heard several Christian friends saying that I was just out for my own glory and not that of God. They didn't ask me about the venture, but whatever I had said had led them to draw the conclusion that I was out for personal gain.
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March 18, 2004
Set:
March Madness has arrived. How did these 64 teams and 64 head coaches arrive in the tournament? Some teams had it easy, some had a tough road, and still others charted new territory as they brought their team to the tournament for the first time in years. Early in the season, many coaches had to decide if they were going to dance to the madness or become miserable as their hopes were dashed by defeat after defeat. One such Coach took the road from misery to March Madness to ministry. Lorenzo Romar, head coach of the Washington Huskies, found the right road to take.
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March 10, 2013
Set:
If you’re running to win but you have only earthly goals in mind, it will be short-lived. It will be a withering type of thing. You have to have spiritual goals in mind. Things do get in the way of being excellent. Some of those things are pride and self-centeredness but you still have to do everything as unto the Lord. You have to try to keep those types of thoughts out. You have to understand what’s spiritual and what’s long lasting. I’m reminded of the Scripture passage about the guy who had the barns, was very blessed, and said he was going to build bigger barns and store all of his wares. But God said to him, “You’re a fool because all these things will be taken from you this very night.” Where is your soul?
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July 08, 2010
Set:
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you were going to be honored, but the honor was given to someone else? Have you ever taken someone else’s seat and been asked to move? It’s embarrassing, to say the least.
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December 01, 2013
Set:
We, as Christians, need to model Christ and show people what life is all about. Life is not all about taking, getting, receiving, or taking advantage of opportunities that are presented to you, but life is also about helping and serving others. Jesus did some things in the course of His ministry strictly to show the disciples why He was here, what His mission was, and He said, “Let this be an example to you.” He washed their feet so they would understand what He was doing and why and what they were supposed to do as well. I think that role modeling was an important part of His ministry. Our job as Christians is to be that role model for those around us. That’s where you should get all of your satisfaction—from knowing that you have helped someone.
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January 03, 2012
Set:
As the new year begins, many of us will make common resolutions to lose weight, get better grades or spend more time in the Word. As athletes and coaches, it’s a safe bet that many of us will also resolve to train harder, practice more or establish better nutrition habits. I'll be honest, some of those are mine, too, but there is one I have added to my life this year, and it’s one that I hope many others are adding, as well.
As I read my Bible and listen to worship songs, one central message keeps coming up: BECOME MORE LIKE CHRIST. God’s Word tells us over and over again to be like our Lord and to show His love to others.
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December 14, 2013
Set:
If you are reading this, it is likely that you are a coach. However, whether you are a coach, a parent, or an athlete, you are involved in relationships. One of the most encouraging aspects of relationships is the exchange of compliments—genuine, from-the-heart compliments that don’t patronize, but let someone know that he or she is valued. Coaches sometimes neglect to show their appreciation for the players who sit on the bench. We get so wrapped up with the starters that we fail to let those less talented or less experienced know just how much we’re thankful that they’re on the team.
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November 18, 2013
Set:
For some reason, every time I play a pick-up game of soccer, I never play as hard as I would in an actual competition. A friend will make a pass around me, and I’ll just let him go by. I may attempt a move, but when I’m unsuccessful I usually just slow up and don’t get back to defend. Shin guards usually aren’t part of my attire, and sometimes I dig up a pair of old, torn up cleats so I don’t have to “ruin my best.” After all, it’s just pick-up, not a real game.
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July 10, 2006
Set:
While she may disagree, many people believe that Mia Hamm is the greatest female soccer player of all time. Her resume' could certainly back up the claim: four NCAA championships, two World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals, and, oh yeah. . . she is the all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer history--male or female. Admittedly, her competitiveness is part of what has gotten her this far, but on the verge of her final World Cup in 2003 she said, "I'm trying to make relationships my first priority. In the end the medals never say, 'I love you.' They tarnish and collect dust."
