Smoky Mountain Fellowship of Christian Athletes

FCA Tennessee has a partnership with our East Africa FCA brothers and sisters as part of FCA’s Global Impact in Ethiopia. 🇪🇹

FCA staff lead trips to serve alongside our FCA international leaders across the world. These trips are called “Go Trips!

Maryville College Grad, Kyler Long,
just arrived home from Ethiopia as he served along side 23 FCA staff and volunteers leading camps, pouring into youth and working with around 100 Compassion International kids. Kyler shared with us today that God answered many prayers & wants to give God all the glory!

“Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and that is what you are.” – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

In 2012, the sports world was shocked when cyclist Lance Armstrong was found to have used performance-enhancing drugs. It was surprising because Armstrong, who overcame cancer, was seen as a health icon, symbolized by the popular yellow "Livestrong" bracelets.

We have only one body, which God created to glorify and honor Him (Psalm 139). Our bodies are intricate and complex, showing that God cares about how we treat them. Despite any imperfections we may see, we are called to care for our bodies because they are vessels for the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ.

Harming our bodies is like damaging a temple that holds the Spirit of God. We are created to be God's hands and feet on earth, sharing and caring for His people, which we can't do if we hurt ourselves. So, remember to treat your body as a temple—beautiful, strong, and holy—honoring God's creation.

What in your life is causing your body harm?

“Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:13-16

When you begin a relationship with Christ, everything changes. Your mind, heart, spirit, and soul gain new direction and purpose because the Holy Spirit teaches you new things.

Before, you might not have realized your actions were out of line with God. The Holy Spirit reveals what is good and holy versus what is wrong.

Think about your growth in sports. There's a huge difference between when you started and now. You wouldn't make the same decisions now because you know better. Similarly, after being saved, we still sometimes desire our old, selfish ways. Christ provides ways to overcome those desires.

Listen to the Holy Spirit, dig into the Word, and pray for God to align your heart with His desires.

What are some fleshly desires that you struggle to release?

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.” - John 15:7

It was an unforgettable moment! The basketball team was down to their last shot. Sasha, a hardworking athlete who put in extra practice, was chosen by the coach to take the final shot. Sasha pulled up for a three, sank it, got fouled, and made his free throw. Though the game's winner isn't remembered, Sasha and the coach's trust in him is.

Just like Sasha built his skills through hard work, believers need daily time with Jesus through prayer and Bible reading to grow in faith. Athletes with a strong foundation have better chances of success, and so do Christians who devote time to God's Word. To "run the play" and do what God asks, we must know the Bible. Jesus tells us in John that powerful things can happen if we remain in Him and His words remain in us. This starts with opening your Bible.

Pray, "Lord, help me to be the best I can be as your child. Help me develop my daily spiritual foundations. Give me a desire to read Your word. Amen."

“For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:10

Training for a triathlon, marathon, or cycling event can be isolating, but training with others provides significant benefits. In professional cycling races like the Tour de France, cyclists ride in a tight pack to go faster and use about 40% less energy.

In triathlon training, athletes swim, bike, and run with the best to improve. This concept is echoed in Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” Training in godliness with friends can strengthen and accelerate your faith, offering encouragement and fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.

Spiritual growth is more effective with like-minded believers. Small groups provide learning, accountability, and practical application of God’s Word. The biblical relationships of Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy exemplify the need for a mentor, an associate, and an apprentice in spiritual training.

If you’ve benefited from a training buddy in sports, consider finding a spiritual training buddy to help you grow stronger and faster in your faith.

Can you identify a few others who will walk with you in your spiritual journey?

As a coach or athlete, your purpose is about more than just the sport. It's about pushing ourselves to higher standards, striving for excellence, and living out our faith in every practice, game, and moment.

"Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." - 1 Corinthians 9:24

Competing for more means:
✦ Giving our best effort, on and off the field.
✦ Building character that reflects Christ's love.
✦ Inspiring others through our dedication and integrity.
✦ Pursuing a purpose that glorifies God.

Let's aim higher, play with passion, and run the race set before us with unwavering faith. Together, we can compete for more than just victories – we can compete for a life of meaning and impact.

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and show you the way to go; I will give counsel.” – Psalm 32:7-8

At baseball games, it is fun to try and figure out the third base coach's signals to the players. These signs, hidden among decoy movements, tell the runner and batter what to do without the other team knowing. For example, if a nose tap means to bunt, the coach might touch his head, elbow, nose, and ear, and only the batter recognizes the nose tap as the signal.

This system only works if the coach and batter are synchronized. If the batter isn't paying attention or forgets the sign, it fails.

Similarly, we strive to be in tune with God so we can follow His guidance. Psalms tells us God will show us the way and counsel us, but we must stay focused on Him. If we get distracted by worldly things, we will miss His signs.

How do you stay focused on Christ?

“Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5

In athletics, pride often prevails from youth to the professional level. Talent frequently justifies prideful behavior—as the saying goes, "It's not trash talk if you're good." Conversely, humility is typically undervalued or frowned upon in sports culture, seen as a sign of weakness rather than strength.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes that the meek will inherit the earth. In Greek, "meek" implies strength under control—a balanced use of one's abilities. True humility is not about retreat but about advancing in Christ's strength, acknowledging that our abilities derive from the Holy Spirit within us.

Those who embrace humility are promised blessings, contrary to the stereotype of athletes squandering their fortunes. Responsible stewardship often leads to greater long-term success in sports.

How has pride hurt you in the past?

“‘There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish—but what are they for so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place; so they sat down. The men numbered about five thousand. Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks he distributed them to those who were seated—so also with the fish, as much as they wanted.” – John 6:9-11

Have you ever thanked God for not having enough?

When we lack a player or funds for new equipment, thanking God isn't our first reaction. It seems foreign to be grateful for what we consider insufficient. Yet, when Jesus faced feeding the 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish, He gave thanks to God.

Jesus trusted God's provision, though His disciples likely doubted. We often question why we should thank God for what seems inadequate. But God knows what we need.

When we feel lacking, pause to thank God for what you do have. You'll likely realize you're blessed more than you think.

“And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5

It's rare to be thankful for losing a game or facing injury or trials. Initial reactions to hardship can be anger and confusion, and it's okay to grieve. However, we shouldn't stay in that season too long.

Scripture teaches that in hardship, not all is lost. Trials can produce endurance, renewed strength, and passion. In Romans, Paul faced many trials but saw the good that could come from them, trusting in God's greater plan.

We endure trials in a sinful world, but God can bring goodness from them. Let's look beyond today's pain and place our hope in the future, knowing God is at work.

What refuels you as a coach or athlete?

In John 7:37-38, Jesus calls out to the weary during the Feast of Tabernacles, offering Himself as the living water. We all thirst for what only Jesus can give.

To be replenished by Jesus:

Nourish You: Confess where you've fallen short and invite Jesus to be Lord of your life. "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." –Romans 10:13

Sustain You: Spend quiet time with Jesus, read the Bible, and renew your mind. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." –Romans 12:2

Challenge You: Embrace difficult obedience and let God sanctify you. "May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless." –1 Thessalonians 5:23

When life wears you down, go to Jesus to be refilled and let Him nourish your soul.

Ask yourself if you are truly putting your hope in Christ alone. If not, what adjustments do you need to make to surrender to His Lordship in your life?

Find a group of people who can help remind you to keep refueling in Christ--join an FCA Huddle near you: https://www.fca.org/huddle

“I went up according to a revelation and presented to them the gospel I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those recognized as leaders. I wanted to make sure I was not running and had not been running in vain.” – Galatians 2:2

When I joined my university basketball team, everything was new: players, coaches, and teamwork. One player stood out by encouraging and challenging us before every game, becoming the team's heartbeat.

Before the championship, this leader couldn't motivate us and chose me to inspire the team. Filled with confidence, I motivated my teammates, and we won. This exemplifies one leader empowering another.

Similarly, when Paul wrote Galatians, he returned after 14 years, confident in his mission from the Lord but addressing a diverse audience. He brought Titus, empowering him to be a strong follower, just as my teammate trusted me. The best thing an athlete and believer can do is step up without fear, following Jesus so others can see His power through your actions and words.

“All a person’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs motives. Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:2-3

Have you ever wondered about the motivation behind why we do what we do?

Do we go to the gym to meet beauty standards or to stay healthy? Do we play sports for fame and money or for passion and good? Humans often deceive themselves about their true motives, but God knows our hearts.

Proverbs teaches that God sees our true intentions. To align our motives with righteousness, we must commit our actions to God, leading our thoughts to follow.

For example, if you want to be a team captain, don't just strategize for the title. Serve your team by staying late, helping others, and praying for them. By serving like Christ, your motivations will align with God's plan, focusing on service over self-interest.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

At the end of a basketball game, my team scored only 3 points. As a new coach, I felt like a failure.

Christians are commanded to rejoice always, regardless of circumstances. Paul teaches contentment in all situations through Christ's strength (Philippians 4:12-13). Joy isn't automatic; it requires strength and intentionality. Paul found joy despite trials, focusing on his relationship with the Lord and his mission (2 Corinthians 11, Philippians 4:8).

Joy is easy to find when winning, but harder in losses. Athletes and coaches find joy in setting goals and building relationships, while Christians find joy in faith, community, and daily blessings (James 1:2-3). My players were joyful despite the loss, celebrating small successes and loving the game.

Joy is always present if we look for it!

“Hallelujah! Happy is the person who fears the Lord, taking great delight in his commands.” – Psalm 112:1

The words "happy" and "fear" rarely go together, often seen as opposites. A coach who ruled by fear never made me happy. This punitive view of fear is limited. Psalm 112 presents a different perspective: fearing the Lord means holding His laws and commands in high regard, which leads to happiness.

In its original language, "fear" means "to hold weight to" or to consider important. God wants us to fear Him by valuing His laws and delighting in them, not dreading them. This type of fear develops wisdom (Psalm 9:10) and helps us believe complex truths, such as God's forgiveness in Hebrews 10:17, which should bring immense happiness. By valuing God's Word, we see how fearing Him brings true happiness.

“Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his. Let us, then, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.” – Hebrews 4:9-11

Athletic rest days are essential for a player's physical and mental development. Without rest, muscles can't recover, and the brain can't relax, leading to burnout, exhaustion, and increased injury risk. Rest is crucial for elite athletes.

Spiritual rest is equally important. Scripture calls us to "Sabbath," a focused, healing rest. God modeled this on the seventh day of creation to show the importance of resting after hard work.

In American society, we struggle with rest, leading to burnout and exhaustion. God desires us to have time to enjoy His creation, be in His Word, and pray. Without seeking rest, we miss God's movements around us. What would it look like for you to take just five minutes today to rest and be with God?

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31-32

Athletes train and compete for various reasons, ranging from noble motives like health, fitness, and joy, to less noble ones like pride and vanity. Regardless of the reason, athletes must always answer why they compete and for whom—whether for themselves, others, or God.

Training and competing require significant time, energy, and commitment. Recognizing that their abilities and passion are gifts from God (James 1:17), athletes are reminded to use these gifts for God's glory, making their competition an act of worship.

Competing for Christ allows athletes to evangelize and disciple others. Olympic sprinter Trayvon Bromell emphasizes that his motivation is not titles or medals, but reaching people who need to be saved.

Are you ready to compete for Christ?

“But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see
him there just as he told you.’” Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them, and they said nothing to anyone since they were
afraid.” Mark 16:7-8

Athletes often have opportunities to share their faith in Christ through post-game interviews, pre-game hype-ups, and practice. However, they sometimes miss these chances. In the book of Mark, after Jesus' crucifixion, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome find Jesus' tomb empty and are told by a man in white that Jesus has risen. Despite being directed to tell the disciples, fear silences them.

As athletes push through fear to excel, the same is needed to witness for Christ. Fear often holds us back from sharing our faith daily. When the Lord blesses us, we should boldly share these experiences without letting fear or anxiety stop us. Be a bold witness for Him and His Kingdom!

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate the freedom and blessings we enjoy in this great nation, let's remember our ultimate freedom in Christ. Jesus offers us a greater freedom from sin and the promise of eternal life.

Today, let's give thanks for the sacrifices made for our country's independence and for the sacrifice Jesus made for our spiritual freedom. May we use our freedom to love, serve, and glorify God in all we do.

Have a joyful and blessed Independence Day!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:33-34

Do you tend to look forward to what hasn’t happened, or dwell on the past? What can keep you focused on living in the present moment?

Happy Birthday to Cooper Lowe, FCA Ambassador! Cooper has been serving FCA part time as an Ambassador for the past several months. Cooper serves along side Jay Malone as a hurdles coach at MJHS. We are so grateful to have him part of our team!! Hope you have a great day Cooper!!!

“Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7

How wonderful an affirmation we have from Jesus in Luke of our worth to Him. Each hair we have on our head is counted and known, meaning our Father knows us to the most intimate detail. He reminds us that if a cheap bird is taken care of, how much more are we cared for as image-bearers of God?

We should take heart that no matter what happens here on earth that may or may not make us feel worthy, Christ always called us worthy in His eyes.

Are you struggling with self-doubt? In what area of your life is the struggle the hardest? How do you think God views you?

“Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Mark 10:14b-15

How do your interactions with others demonstrate your faith in God?

“The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother or sister is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he’s going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” – 1 John 2:10-11

To play a night game, you must have lights on the field. If you have ever played a game on a field that doesn’t have lights and the sun is setting, you know that with each minute, it gets harder and harder to see what is happening.

Darkness makes even the easiest tasks seem extremely difficult. Many of us can only walk by turning on a light to take our next step. The light guides us, helps us see clearly, and moves forward easily. Darkness stops us from moving forward, blinds us to what’s right in front of us, and often leads to fear of the unknown.

Just as physical darkness blinds us to our movements, internal spiritual darkness blinds us to the beautiful world God has created. 1 John tells us that hate can cause spiritual blindness inside a person. We are advised that if we love those around us, we will walk in the Light and not stumble. If we choose to hate, that will cause us to be lost in the darkness and unable to see.

It’s sometimes easier to choose hate over love, especially after someone has hurt us. Scripture tells us, though, that choosing hate will end up hurting us and causing us to miss out on the Light that is God’s love.

When we walk in His Light, we can see the stumbling blocks Satan sets out for us. If we are operating in the dark, it’s much easier for Satan to trip us up and cause us to stumble and sin even more. We can rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to move us from the hatred we feel in the dark to experiencing the love out in the Light.

Blount County FCA Competitor’s Campers! We have a collection of camp photos for you to view but would also love for you to share yours with us!! Here is a link to view photos and upload your own!

https://join.photocircleapp.com/VRNFNZGRYX

When you examine your abilities, there are two categories: one where you have earned the skills you now possess, and another set you did nothing to earn; you were born with them.

Christ enables or gives us the chance to share in the rewards of heaven and His presence. Our works here on earth do not give us a ticket to heaven. We must realize and thank God that it’s only by His pure grace, a gift, that we can be with Him.

How can you practice gratitude today?

“Let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

As an athlete, you are surrounded by your peers and friends, teammates, coaches, a stadium full of fans, and your school community. You may tell them how much they have impacted your life or that you love them.

It’s one thing to tell your team you love them and have their back. It’s another to show them. Don’t just tell your team, show them. Just do it.