who wants the blessing?
reading from the playbook› 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 This was the hurdler’s first and last junior high school state championship competition, and she wanted to win this race. Her family, team, and coach were there to support her—confident in her ability. She was ready to run the best race of her life. She warmed up and [...]
ready or not!
reading from the playbook› John 3:16-18 It was a tragedy that rocked the motor racing community. On May 12, 2000, 19-year-old Adam Petty was killed during a practice run for a Grand National Race in New Hampshire. No one expects a 19-year-old to die. No 19- year-old wakes up in the morning thinking, “Today may [...]
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Loading ...tell it like it is
reading from the playbook› John 14:1-6 Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) is arguably the most famous boxer ever to be crowned the heavyweight champion of the world. We marveled at his combination of finesse and power. And few of us will forget his antics outside the ring. Ali, a deeply religious man, explained in a Reader’s [...]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...in an instant
reading from the playbook› James 4:13-17 Life is unpredictable. It can change in a moment. The tragic death of legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. is a harsh reminder of how life can forever change in an instant. Think about it. Merely seconds before his untimely death in the 2001 Daytona 500, the “Terminator” listened [...]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...thanks for the free gift
reading from the playbook› Ephesians 2:4-9 Because of the nature of sports, athletes are put under a spotlight. They perform for an audience, and they provide entertainment for society. This is what entices many to become the best at their sport. Those people want to reach stardom, and fame becomes the goal. I by no [...]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...self-esteem?
reading from the playbook› Ephesians 1:4-7 Something that I hear discussed quite frequently these days is an individual’s self-esteem. “We must build a positive self-esteem in our children,” some will say. Where do we gain this self-esteem? Too often, I fear that we buy into the idea that our personal value is determined by a [...]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...real hope
reading from the playbook› Romans 5:5-8 It has been said that as oxygen is to the lungs, so hope is to the human heart. We need hope. What is real hope? Perhaps you can recall an occasion in your past when you failed to study for an exam. When someone asked you whether or not [...]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...the beautiful game
reading from the playbook› 1 John 5:11-13 Which sport is best? Which is worst? ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser may speak for many Americans when he bashes soccer, but he certainly doesn’t speak for all of us. I have an American friend who is quick to defend what Pele called “the beautiful game.” “Americans don’t appreciate the [...]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...in a fog
reading from the playbook› Proverbs 3:1-6 Dense fog and sailing are not a good mix. A few summers ago, on the last day of a week-long youth group trip, our 10-boat flotilla woke up to thick fog. The final leg of our journey was a long one that required careful navigation to avoid running aground. [...]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...not my plans, but His
reading from the playbook› Matthew 7:7-11 A major fear for most athletes is injury. It is crucial for our bodies to be healthy. In February 2003, I faced this fear head on when I severely injured my ankle during a game. After sitting out for several weeks, followed by an unsuccessful attempt at returning to [...]
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