Put me in Coach.....I'm ready to play!

It’s March 1st. For all you basketball fans this is the best time of the year known as “March Madness.” At some point in all of our lives, we have all been part of a team. Teamwork is an essential part of life. At a young age we learn to be part of a team. We play on the playground, try out for junior pro leagues, join different groups in high school, face new challenges in college and join the “real world” where most of the time we are part of a business team in our particular line of work. We have all wanted to belong, fit in and be picked first. There is a certain yearning inside all of our souls that wants to be part of something bigger than ourselves. 

Webster’s dictionary defines “winning” as gaining victory. In our society today sometimes an emphasis on “winning” and being successful overshadows our families, our education and our quality of life. Athletes, business professionals and even young kids spent countless hours, money and blood, sweat and tears in order to win. Winning at all costs has become a big part of our culture. Many times we put more emphasis on playing time and winning than on the values that being part of a team can teach us.

Being part of a team requires a big investment of time, responsibility and trust. Successful teams benefit from the dedication and devotion of individuals to the betterment of the team. But, behind every great team lies a great coach.

Isn’t it a great feeling to know that we have a great head coach every day of our lives? Each day here on Earth is our game that we get a chance to play. He has given us a game plan to follow and if we do, we win the greatest championship of all…..eternal life with Jesus Christ in Heaven! Are you on God’s team? He has taught us the importance of being a member of His team. He doesn’t promise that each game is going to be easy and that we are going to win every game, but He does promise never to leave us and to be with us during the wins and losses of this life.

There will be times in the game of life when you feel like you need a sub. You feel like you can’t compete and can’t contribute to your team’s success. We all run out of gas and out of energy. It’s ok to call for a sub and sit on the bench for a minute, catch your wind and get back in the game. God is the substitute we all need. Romans 3:23 tells us” that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God.” He is always there when we are out of breath or make a mistake.

Where do you stand in this game of life? I’ve learned that we can’t win on our own playing abilities.  We need good teammates, a strategic game plan and the ultimate Head Coach. Being part of God’s team requires loyalty, trust, faith and hard work. There will be times when we get discouraged, yet we must trust that God knows when we need a timeout, a water break or constructive criticism. In this game of life there will be tough losses, heartaches and tears during the journey. This is where we learn who we are and learn to persevere. Are you ready to win? Are you ready for the big game? How hard have you been working? Just like any team, being on God’s team takes commitment and sacrifice. If we give Him all the glory in every game of every day then we will be victorious!

Are you ready to play? Don’t settle for sitting on the bench…..It’s time to win God’s way!

So be a good teammate, help others join God’s team, lift each other up and always be ready to play!!

Verse of the Week:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

 

 

God’s Hall of Fame: Coach John Wooden

Your name may not appear down here,

 In this world’s hall of fame,

 In fact you may be so unknown,

 That no one knows your name!

The Oscars here may pass you by

 And neon lights of blue,

 But if you love and serve the Lord,

 Then I have news for you.

This hall of fame is only good

 As long as time shall be,

 But keep in mind, God’s Hall of fame,

 Is for eternity!

To have your name inscribed up there

 Is greater yet by far,

 Than all the Halls of Fame down here

 And every man-made star.

This crowd on earth may soon forget

 The heroes of the past,

 They cheer like mad until you fall,

 And that’s how long you last.

But God, He never does forget,

 And in His Hall of Fame

 By just believing in his Son,

 Inscribed you’ll find your name.

I tell you, friend, I wouldn’t trade

 My name however small,

 That written there beyond the stars

 In that celestial hall,

For any famous name on earth

 Or glory that they share;

 I’d rather be unknown here,

 And have my name up there.