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"I sought the LORD, and He answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed." - Psalms 34:4-5

There’s a player who always smiles, even after a terrible round of golf. When asked about their joy, they explained that people often think it’s fake, but they maintain their joy by looking beyond their circumstances and focusing on God, their true source of joy.

This player lives out Psalms 34, choosing not to let life's events change their outlook. Focusing on God prevents disappointment. While sadness and hurt are natural, knowing God is with you brings joy.

David, in Psalms 34:4, sought the Lord to find joy. We must actively seek God's joy by delighting in His word, praising Him daily, sharing the Good News, and bringing others into His Kingdom. This joy is available to all who focus on Christ rather than their circumstances.

From Running to Freedom in Christ 🏃‍♂️

Paul Williams ran to escape family dysfunction, to break records, and to find belonging. But today, at 74, he looks back and sees how God has woven his story into one of true freedom in Christ.

Despite a painful childhood in Huntington Beach, CA, running became Paul’s outlet. He shattered records and earned a scholarship to UCLA, but inside, he was crumbling. A life-changing encounter with God on a beach redirected his path. Through faith, he found a purpose beyond athletics, coaching young runners in both the sport and the ways of God.

“I've screwed up a lot in my life, but God's mercy set me free,” Paul reflects. Now, he's running his greatest race yet—one of eternal significance, mentoring young athletes and living out his faith with passion. 🙏

📰 Read more here: https://bit.ly/46KIwP6
📸 Photos courtesy of Paul Williams

"He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God." - 2 Corinthians 1:4

Alexey Lutsenko, the Kazakh cyclist, wept as he abandoned Stage 17 of the 2024 Tour de France, marking his second consecutive DNF after also abandoning the Giro d'Italia. No athlete wants a DNF by their name, and God promises growth through all experiences.

First, watching Lutsenko's pain gives a new perspective and empathy, fulfilling 2 Corinthians 1:4’s call to comfort others in their suffering.

Second, knowing that Jesus is both fully God and fully human reassures us that He understands our pain and can provide comfort. We can trust Him in that.

What challenges has God allowed you to experience?

Quality time with God is essential for spiritual growth, inner peace, and a deeper understanding of His will. It allows believers to connect with God on a personal level, building a relationship that provides strength, guidance, and comfort in life's challenges. Spending time in prayer, meditation, and reading scripture is a way to nourish the soul and align one's life with God's purpose.

Yesterday, we learned that with Christ, we don't need to be the most important person in any setting. Our humility demonstrates that Christ is above all. Our actions should reflect the freedom and security we have in Him.

Often, we expect repayment for favors, like being thanked for picking up baseballs after practice. True humility means doing tasks without expecting anything in return, simply to follow the ways of the Lord. Serving others should be about showing Christ's love, not seeking recognition.

This lesson is challenging, but start by studying how Christ served without expecting anything back. Then, practice this humility with your team and coaches.

What needs to change in your heart for you to be able to serve without need recognition?

C.S. Lewis wrote, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It's thinking of yourself less." In athletics, pride is celebrated as strength, while humility is seen as weakness. This contrasts with the Biblical view, where Jesus teaches us to take the lower seat, emphasizing humility over self-promotion.

Jesus calls us to find our value in Him, not in ourselves. Our worth comes from Christ alone. Acting as if we assign our own value is like claiming to be Christ. This mindset is counter-cultural, both now and in Jesus' time.

Pride has distorted our view of humility, making it seem like a weakness. True humility means placing Christ above all, not devaluing ourselves. With Christ as our foundation, we don't need the world's approval to feel secure in our worth.

"And how can they believe without hearing about him?" - Romans 10:14b

The 4x100 relay in track and field is a perfect example of teamwork, with each runner relying on the next to smoothly pass the baton and complete the race. If one runner fails to take off, the race can't be finished.

Similarly, God has given us the baton of truth—the Gospel—to pass along. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations and teach them His ways. This command is for all followers of Jesus.

We are to share the Gospel everywhere—not just in church but in all aspects of our lives. If we don't share the Gospel, how will others hear it? Keeping this lifesaving message to ourselves is like a runner not passing the baton.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 28:20 that He is always with us, encouraging us to share the Gospel confidently. Let's run the race and pass the baton of the Gospel for all to hear, knowing Jesus is helping us every step of the way.

"There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance;" - Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Dreams are future plans we work on today, often leading to impatience. As kids, we practice our passions knowing our dreams are far away, but as we age, we want them fulfilled on our schedule. This impatience can cause anxiety and frustration towards God.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that God has a time for everything, including our dreams. Clinging too tightly to our timelines can lead to anger towards God, questioning why things aren’t happening as we planned.

God, who is all-knowing, doesn't follow our schedules. While He instills dreams in us, we cannot demand when or how they will unfold. There's a purpose for everything, both good and bad. Lay your dreams at Jesus' feet and choose to serve Him over yourself.

What control do you need to let go of?

NFL QB Nick Foles announced his retirement after 11 years. Foles gives thanks to God for his career.

Foles continues to glorify and honor God as he embarks on a new path.

FCA Foles Feature found here 👇 https://bit.ly/3LZ2SuA

"I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling." - John 16:1

One of the most incredible sights in the Paralympic Games is the Blind Spirit event, where blind sprinters run with a guide who keeps them in their lane, matches their pace, and leads them to the finish line.

Similarly, as followers of Jesus, we have guidance through the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and our community. In His "Upper Room Discourse" (John 13-17), Jesus shared wisdom to keep His disciples from stumbling. Life is a marathon with moments of sprinting and walking, but we are not alone. The Spirit, the Word, and others help us stay on track. Run towards Him, and He will guide you every step of the way.

Who is your guide in life right now, Jesus or something else?

Freddie Crittenden has pushed through to the 110 Hurdles Finals at the Paris Olympics, while repping 'The FOUR'! 💟➗✝️❓

Learn about 'The FOUR': https://thefour.fca.org/



📸: Courtesy of Freddie Crittenden Instagram

"...and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out." - John 6:37b

Olympic gymnast Kieran Behan faced incredible challenges. At 10, he was told he'd never walk again after tumor removal. He then suffered a severe head injury, requiring three years to overcome. Despite this, he qualified for the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, becoming only the second Irishman to do so.

Just as Kieran pursued his athletic goals wholeheartedly, we should be all in when pursuing our Savior. After feeding the 5,000, Jesus told the crowd in John 6 that He is the Bread of Life and those who seek Him with all their heart will never hunger or thirst.

When God gives us a goal, we should pursue it wholeheartedly, whether it's athletic, career, or spiritual. However, our top goal should be growing closer to Jesus, as He will always be there for us. Let's give our all to deepen our relationship with Him every day.

In a world full of uncertainties, there is a constant source of joy and peace - our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Here are three ways to embrace His joy daily:

1. Spend time in His word 📖 - Dive into the Bible and let His promises fill your heart.

2. Pray Continually 🙏🏼 - Prayer connects us to God's endless love and grace.

3. Find Fellowship in other Believers 👫 - Sharing our faith journey with others strengthens our joy and encourages us to grow.

How can you find joy in Christ?

"For the scripture says, 'Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame,' since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Romans 10:11-13

As athletes, we're used to tryouts and finding our roles on the team. However, God's team works differently. Romans 10:9 says, "Confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved." There are no tryouts or waiting for a call.

God's team has no distinctions or prerequisites. We don't need to be perfect or have our lives in order. We only need to confess and believe in Jesus, and we are on His team.

"Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out," - Acts 3:19

Former US Olympic sprinter Marion Jones reinvented herself after being forced to return her five medals from the 2000 Sydney games due to steroid use. In 2010, she joined the WNBA Tulsa Shock, playing two seasons before being cut. Despite her mistakes, she cleaned up and started anew.

Christ offers us a similar chance. Acts 3:19-20 encourages us to repent and turn back so our sins may be wiped out, bringing seasons of refreshing from the Lord. Trusting in Christ for salvation allows us to move forward in a new direction.

In sports and with the Lord, each day offers a chance to make changes and improve. Lamentations 3:23 reminds us that God's mercies are new every morning. Our Lord is one of second chances. Seek His forgiveness and let Him transform you.

"The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will never follow a stranger; instead, they will run away from him because they don't know the voice of strangers." - John 10:2-5

Playing a sport where you can hear the fans' comments presents a unique challenge. Fans can be your biggest supporters or harshest critics. Their cheers lift you up, but their criticism can deflate your confidence. During a game, you hear voices from fans, coaches, teammates, parents, and yourself. So, who do you listen to?

If you have a loud parent, like I do, their voice can boost your confidence, even in tough games. Supporters’ voices can drown out all the negativity around you.

Similarly, God wants His voice to comfort us in life. With many voices offering praise, criticism, lies, and truths, knowing and following God's voice is crucial. His voice should guide us to His truth amidst life's noise.

"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure." - Eric Liddell, 1924 Olympian and missionary

Scottish runner Eric Liddell's story is a legend and is famously portrayed in the movie Chariots of Fire. Liddell grew up in a missionary family but also had the gift of running. His feet took him to the Olympics in 1924 before going to China as a missionary.

As athletes, we are made a certain way. We are made to be strong, fast, tall, short, explosive, and competitive. It's important to recognize that these abilities are not just random traits, but gifts from God. Many of us do not fully appreciate our athletic ambition and ability as a way for us to worship Him. But remember, God takes great pleasure in watching us use our athletic and competitive gifts. This perspective can take the pressure off our performance and center us around our motivation, which we should ask ourselves about.

Do you play for an audience of one?

"But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name." - John 1:12

Once, on a bus with some teammates, a senior shared her fear of finishing the season because she didn't know who she was without basketball. She identified solely as "the basketball player," a sentiment once shared. For a long time, some believed their identity was defined by the sport they played.

However, they realized that our true identity comes from God, who created us and sent His Son to die for us. We are, first and foremost, His children. This shift in perspective changed everything for me. Whether you identify as an athlete, coach, teacher, or anything else, remember that these roles are secondary to being a child of God.

When you place your identity in Christ, you build on a solid foundation. Unlike sports, jobs, money, appearances, or people, God is permanent, unchanging, trustworthy, and loving. Being a child of God is eternal and doesn’t change at the end of a season or career.

Are you placing your identity in things of this world or in Christ?

Refuel with Scripture with month!

In our busy lives, it’s easy to feel drained and disconnected from our spiritual roots. "Refuel with Scripture" is about taking intentional moments to pause, reflect, and recharge our souls through the powerful words of the Bible. Here’s what it means:

→ Finding Strength: Scripture provides us with strength during difficult times.

→ Seeking Guidance: The Bible offers wisdom and direction for our daily lives.

→ Nourishing Our Spirit: Reading and meditating on Scripture fills us with peace, joy, and a sense of purpose.

→ Connecting with God: Spending time with Scripture deepens our relationship with God.

→ Building Community: Sharing and discussing Scripture with others strengthens our faith community.

→ Finding Hope: The Bible's promises remind us of God’s unwavering love and the hope we have in Him.

By incorporating Scripture into our daily routine, we can refuel our hearts and minds, equipping ourselves with the spiritual energy needed to thrive. Let's embrace the transformative power of God's word and let it guide and uplift us every day.

"Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's faithful love, we do not perish, for his mercies never end." - Lamentations 3:21-22

In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles shocked the world by withdrawing from five event finals due to mental health struggles, though she later returned to earn her 32nd medal. After taking time for healing, Biles has come back with a renewed spirit.

Jeremiah faced similar struggles. In Lamentations 3, he describes his pain and sorrow but also finds hope in God's faithful love and mercy. Despite his mental battles, Jeremiah sought healing in God’s promises.

As student-athletes, we face our own mental challenges. Jeremiah teaches us to share our pain with God and remember His past faithfulness. When mental battles arise, we should cry out to God and focus on His mercy and faithfulness, shifting our minds from sorrow to our Savior.

How can you replace those thoughts with a promise from God?

Jim Dayhew, an outgoing and relational former rugby and cricket player, has spent decades in coaching and ministry, building long-term relationships. His latest venture is establishing FCA in Australia.

Dayhew's 30-year ministry began with a mission trip to New Zealand in 1990. In college, he got involved with Athletes in Action at Sydney University. As a physical education teacher and coach, he felt called to connect sports and young athletes' lives to a deeper purpose.

He joined sports ministry full-time, traveling globally and connecting with various organizations. After being introduced to FCA during the 1996 Olympics, he stayed in touch with FCA leaders over the years.

In 2020, Dayhew sought FCA's help for a sports camp, leading to a collaboration with the Rockies Region. Despite initial hesitation, by 2022, he launched FCA 360 Australia, leveraging his extensive network to gain traction.

By 2023, after visiting the U.S. for FCA training, Dayhew committed to full-time ministry with FCA, driven by his passion for sports ministry and the urgency of the mission in Australia.

Dayhew and his team focus on partnering with churches, schools, and clubs, engaging young athletes and their families, and developing coaches. His extensive experience and connections, along with support from FCA's global network, position him to make a transformative impact in Australian sports ministry.

Read Dayhew's full story: https://bit.ly/3A8bgFq

“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” - Matthew 7:13-14

Most people can kick a soccer ball, but only the skilled know how to hit the sweet spot for the best chance of success. This applies to striking a golf ball, hitting a baseball, or shooting a basket. Athletes train daily to master this skill.

Similarly, few take the time to understand the best way to live life. In Matthew 7, Jesus describes the easy, broad road that leads to destruction and the difficult, narrow road that leads to true life. The narrow road represents how Christ intends us to live: with honesty, hard work, humility, and generosity.

While challenging and less traveled, the narrow road offers the greatest reward: a true life with Christ. By choosing each day to live as He did, we draw closer to God and experience communion with our Creator.

Is there something right now that is stopping you from walking the narrow road?

When we’re overwhelmed by busyness and stress, refueling with prayer is essential. Just as athletes need breaks to restore their energy, our souls need prayer to rejuvenate and find peace. Prayer isn't just a routine; it’s a vital connection with God that brings rest and clarity amidst our hectic lives.

In Exodus, Moses found rest not by escaping his responsibilities but by drawing close to God. Similarly, we find true rest and strength through prayer, not by avoiding our duties but by seeking God’s presence in them.

Let’s make time for prayer, not as a last resort, but as a priority. In doing so, we’ll discover a deeper sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment that transcends our busy schedules. Refuel with prayer, and let God’s presence transform your every moment.

“But Moses replied to the LORD, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since you have been speaking to your servant—because my mouth and my tongue are sluggish.”The LORD said to him, “Who placed a mouth on humans? Who makes a person mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you speak, and I will teach you what to say.” – Exodus 4:10-12

Wilma Rudolph, an Olympic champion, overcame polio to become one of the fastest women of her time. Her story reminds us that unexpected people can make history.

In scripture, Moses doubted his ability to lead due to his speech problem, but God reassured him, knowing his challenges. Similarly, God didn't see Wilma's polio as a barrier to her dreams.

We often limit ourselves based on worldly views. Instead, let's trust what God, our Creator, says about us. He made us, is with us through trials, and will guide us to become who we are meant to be. Will you trust who God says you are?

“But Moses replied to the LORD, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since you have been speaking to your servant—because my mouth and my tongue are sluggish.”The LORD said to him, “Who placed a mouth on humans? Who makes a person mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you speak, and I will teach you what to say.” – Exodus 4:10-12

Sometimes, the most unexpected people make history or become leaders. In Scripture, Moses doubted his ability to lead the Israelites due to his speech problem, but God reminded him that He created him and knew his challenges. God didn't see Moses' limitation as a barrier to leadership, and neither should Moses.

We often limit ourselves based on worldly views. Instead, we should listen to our Creator, who made us as we are, stands with us through trials, and guides us to become who He designed us to be. Will you trust who God says you are?

“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12

Watching shooting sports showcases the incredible precision needed to hit targets, especially in S***t shooting, where the moving target explodes mid-air upon impact. This precision mirrors how the Word of God works in our lives.

Hebrews describes Scripture as alive and penetrating, revealing our inner selves for renewal. When a sermon or podcast feels personally convicting, it's the Holy Spirit using the Word to reach us. God's Word is not just a book but a living tool guiding us closer to Him daily.

Do you have a particular Scripture that is speaking to you right now?

"After this, I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number..." - Revelation 7:9a

One of the most incredible parts of the Olympic Games is the parade of nations during the Opening Ceremonies. The 2021 Summer Games featured 206 nations, showcasing athletes from around the world. This event offers a glimpse of what Heaven will be like, as described in Revelation 7:9, where a vast multitude worships before God's throne.

As followers of Jesus, we should focus on growing in Him while remembering our ultimate destination. Ephesians 4:30 assures us that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and will be with the Lord in Heaven. Despite the world's darkness, God desires to spend eternity with those who come to Him through Jesus, which is why we share the hope found in Christ and make disciples. When you are in Christ, your true home is with the Lord, alongside people from every nation, tribe, and language. What a sight that will be!

What does it mean to make Jesus the number one pursuit in your life?

Hey coach, feeling like you are getting stretched too thin? Do you have margin in your life? If not, how might you be able to shape your time to make some?

Make some time to step away for a day, or even a few hours, and get quiet with God. Ask Him about your schedule and life, and ask Him to see where you can make changes to better live in rhythm with Him and the people He’s entrusted to you.

“… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” –Ephesians 3:19

Coaches juggle a lot, but it can often seem like the scales fall unbalanced. To help discern what it looks like to maintain a rhythm of renewal as a coach in Christ, visit FCA’s The CORE: https://thecore.fca.org/