I live for glory—not the everyday, ordinary glory from people or things, but glory from God. It is easy as athletes and coaches to get caught up in receiving glory, because it comes from so many sources. A recent FCA theme was “For the Glory.” An easy way for me to remember to give God the glory is to break down the theme into FOR—Focus, Obey, and Reflect.

Focus: My focus as an athlete determines my destiny. It is a daily battle to be either a “me monster” or a “God pleaser.” Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus. When we focus on Jesus, the glory will go to Him, not us.

After having a fairly rough day teaching, my wife calmly reminded me that I must see the children in the same light as God sees me. He is patient and loving with me, even though I am underserving of His favor. I must continuously remind myself that the children I teach and coach should be shown that same favor from me.

There are times that I simply want to lose all my cool and let those who are around me simply know how frustrated I am with them and how pitiful I feel they are. Does God feel that way towards me? I feel God is the most patient, forgiving, gracious being as He showed through Jesus Christ. Forgive them seven times? "Forgive them seventy times seven" Jesus says.

I pray I have that strength to be as patient and forgiving as He.

St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Matt Holliday has learned a lot in his seven years as a major league outfielder, including many valuable lessons about what it means to compete for Christ. Today, we’re starting a four-part video devotion series based on Holliday’s recent interview with FCA’s Sharing the Victory magazine.

To access the video, click the link below to watch or download the clip. After you’ve watched the short video, take time to answer the questions below. Finish by reading the related Scripture and asking God to work in your heart as a result of what you’ve learned.

VIDEO LINK:

Hockey Chat:  Regardless of who your favorite team is throughout the year, if you’re a hockey fan you’ll tune into the excitement of the Stanley Cup playoffs.  It’s the one time when hockey fans come together and follow the games that have become the icon of the ice hockey.

Earlier this season, I took my middle school baseball team to practice with the high school varsity. It was good for my kids to practice on a higher level and to see how high school differs from middle school. At the end of practice the varsity coach gave them a "pep talk" about life and baseball using five key points of competition. While I had used some of the same points in my own speeches, I found that they captured my attention in a new way when I heard them from another coach and saw how they got the attention of the kids. The points that this coach made would work for any sport, and they also translate well to our spiritual lives.

Of all the silly games I learned as a child, the one I remember best was a game some of the older kids in the neighborhood played, one we didn’t exactly discuss with our parents. “Knick Knocking” involved approaching a neighbor’s front door, knocking loudly several times and running away. Serious Knick Knockers would retreat to a nearby hideaway so they could watch the unsuspecting neighbor open the door and look all around for a visitor. Knick Knocking served as a great form of entertainment for the mischievous kids on our block.