Alphabetical
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May 18, 2013
Set:
Sacrifice is something most people never even consider, let alone complete. Let’s consider what it is to be a living sacrifice.
At the time of this writing by Paul, sacrifices were usually killed and laid upon an altar to be burned. The problem with “living sacrifices” is that they tend to crawl off the altar when it gets a little hot. We start with good intentions of making a sacrifice for our teammates, our family, or career, but when it gets uncomfortable we often snatch the sacrifice from the altar and lose the reward that comes from faithfulness.
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November 16, 2012
Set:
There is a common bond that seems to separate good teams from great teams – hunger. Good teams have the capability of winning at any time, but somehow lack what it takes to do it day-in and day-out. Great teams seem to always find a way – whether they play the perfect match, have to slug out a tough win, or find a way to come clawing back after trailing. They just seem to find a way to win. For many of them, it is because of a hunger for victory.
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November 01, 2008
Set:
After routing Oklahoma University for its second straight national title, USC coach Pete Carroll was asked when preparation for the next season would begin. Carroll replied:
“It’s already going. We live this thing. If you’re competing, then you’re always competing. That’s just part of it ... I have people tell me, ‘Just relax.’ Don’t tell me to relax. I’m having a ... ball. We get to do this for six months, be on top of the college football world. We’ll likely have a great chance at being the No. 1 team coming into next year. Shoot, that’s awesome, awesome stuff.”
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July 01, 2010
Set:
Teresa was one of those athletes who was all spirit, gifted with more determination than natural talent. But her Christian faith and love for soccer had a powerful effect on my other public high school players. If I needed a surge of enthusiasm to flow through my team, I looked to Teresa.
On a difficult practice one day, Teresa struggled to finish a long distance run. As I jogged to the end of the line to encourage her, she glanced upward and shouted, “Take me now, Lord Jesus, take me now so I don’t have to finish!” We both laughed so hard we were through running in no time!
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January 27, 2004
Set:
It has become a regular occurrence in professional sports today to see athletes look up toward Heaven and point their finger. The Chicago Tribune published an article (01/22/2004) on the trend attempting to determine why different athletes look to Heaven and point. Philadelphia Eagles' receiver James Thrash looks toward Heaven and points after nearly every catch. He says this is, "just a reminder to everyone that I'm in it for the Lord."
I'm not naive enough to think that all athletes who look up to Heaven and point are showing their love for God. However, I think this is an opportunity for Christians to remember to look to God in all situations.
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July 02, 2010
Set:
Humility and competition, especially today, seem to be a contradiction in terms. As human beings, we believe that if we demonstrate humility, we will be walked over, pushed aside, neglected, or even abused. So instinctively we reject humility, maybe not as an idea, but in our everyday actions toward others.
Although Christ’s purpose was not that of competition, we can certainly agree that Christ had a purpose and goal and was successful in achieving it. In this vein, let’s consider our own goals as coaches. Where does humility play a part? Paul, speaking to the church at Philippi, reminded us that Christ recognized His humanity and this resulted in a humility that inspired obedience.
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September 06, 2006
Set:
The scoreboard doesn't always tell the whole story when it comes to competition. "The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I've found," 36-year-old tennis icon, Andre Agassi told the crowd after ending his career with a 3rd-round loss at the 2006 U.S. Open. Agassi was referring to finding loyalty and support from tennis fans during his illustrious 21-year career.
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April 01, 2005
Set:
Last weekend's dramatic NCAA Regional Championship games have many of us bursting with anticipation for Saturday night's Final Four match-ups. What started as 64 teams has become four. On Monday night, only one will remain above them all.
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May 11, 2007
Set:
Famous actor and director Peter Ustinov once said, "Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit."
As athletes and coaches in today's athletic scene, we have a love and passion for sports. That love drives us to try to become the best we can possibly be. And, as Christians, that means that we demonstrate love to our teammates, coaches, officials and even opposing players.
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July 06, 2012
Set:
Growing up and well into my adult years, I was a dancer. I’m sure some of you are thinking, “This is the Fellowship of Christian ATHLETES, not dancers.” But let me assure you, as a dancer, you have to be an athlete. We had to practice, commit to conditioning, eat right, get enough sleep, and compete. Dancing definitely took hard work, diligence and teamwork.
