Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow is the newest winner of the coveted Heisman Trophy. With 29 passing touchdowns and 22 rushing touchdowns last fall, Tebow displayed the kind of versatility and athleticism that distinguished him as the best college football player in the nation. Even more remarkable, Tebow is the first sophomore in history to win the 73-year-old Heisman.
There is a “rest of the story” you need to hear. Tebow’s parents, Bob and Pam, were missionaries in the Philippines when Pam became pregnant with Tim. Shortly before becoming pregnant, Pam had been treated for amoebic dysentery, contracted from contaminated drinking water. She was still being treated with a series of strong medications when she became pregnant. Her physicians believed the medications had irreversibly damaged her unborn child. She was strongly encouraged to have an abortion.
Because of her faith, Pam refused to consider aborting her baby. She carried the baby to term, spending the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and on August 14, 1987, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, who she described as “skinny and rather long.” “The combination of Timmy's God-given talent, hard work, character and leadership have made a mark on and off the football field,” says Pam.
It is sad to think of how many potential Heisman Trophy winners, political leaders, scientists, inventors, doctors, preachers and others never had a chance to make their mark because their mothers chose to give into the pressure to abort. Since the legalization of abortion on demand in January, 1974, 49 million Americans have been deprived of their most basic constitutional and God-given right — the right to life.
There will be a time in your life, if it has not happened already, when you will have the opportunity to influence someone who is considering an abortion. It may be a friend, a child or grandchild, a nephew or niece. Psalm 82:4 commands us to “Rescue the weak and needy …” I challenge you now to speak out for those who have no voice, to rescue the helpless.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Never Give Up!
The Monday Night Football game between the Cowboys and the Bills was one of the most exciting we have seen in a long time. After five turnovers in the first half, the Cowboys trailed by seventeen points. Quarterback Tony Romo, along with the entire team, showed incredible composure in the second half, coming back to score 9 points in the last 20 seconds to win the game. It moved them to a 5-0 record on the season and gave all of us plenty to talk about around the water cooler on Tuesday morning.
Not only was it a tremendous win, but it also demonstrated a great lesson in coming back from failure. Tony Romo in his second season as the Cowboys’ quarterback threw five interceptions, resulting in two Bills’ touchdowns and fumbled away another turnover. Six turnovers in a game is any NFL quarterback’s worst nightmare and could severely impact job security. His performance in the last three minutes of the game, however, demonstrated that Romo could become one of the NFL’s great quarterbacks by maintaining incredible concentration under some of the most strenuous circumstances. Ultimately Romo and the ‘Boys won because they refused to give up.
In October of 1941 the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was asked to speak at the Harrow School where he had attended as a youth. After summarizing the overwhelming threat that Hitler and Nazi Germany posed for Great Britain and the free world, Churchill spoke these words, “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” His iron will and the resolve of the British and American people ultimately prevailed over the Axis threat.
Proverbs 24:17 reminds us, “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.” This verse reminds us that failure is a normal part of life. The question is not “Will you fail”, but rather “When will you fail?” We fail at times in our business pursuits, career objectives, financial investments, personal relationships and in our spiritual walk. Sometimes we fail because of bad choices, sometimes due to lack of execution or preparation. Sometimes we fail because we cannot get beyond obstacles that block our path.
My friend in Christ, don’t allow the failures of the past to keep you from tomorrow’s victories. It is time to get up, dust yourself off and get back on that horse. Remember, never, never, never, never give in or give up!
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Don't Forget to Date Your Wife
After a summer break, I am personally recharged and back with lots of new, interesting stories for my weekly men’s devotional.
Most of us are counting the hours until the opening kickoff of professional football next week. Dallas Cowboys fans are pinning their hopes on new coach Wade Phillips. Phillips brings over twenty years of NFL coaching experience to the Cowboys. He also brings something else, an understanding and appreciation of the importance of family.
Hours after being hired as the Cowboys head coach, one reporter asked Phillips how he felt about public sentiment that he is not a sexy hire. "Well," the 59-year-old coach chuckled, "I don't know if my wife would say that."
In a February interview with the Dallas Morning News, Phillips mentioned that throughout his coaching career, he has maintained a standing date night with his wife. Every Friday night he takes Laurie out on a date. He stated that he learned the importance of maintaining a strong marriage after watching his father, legendary coach “Bum” Phillips, spend time with his mother.
In making his marriage a priority, Phillips is providing a great example for his coaches, players, fans and especially, his children. As a successful coach, Phillips understands that winning games requires time, energy and hard work. Being an effective husband and father is not so different. A marriage is too important to take for granted. It must be fed, nurtured and protected.
Ephesians 5 reminds us, “So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it …” Perhaps it is time to take an inventory on your commitment to your marriage. Take a tip from Wade Phillips and start dating again. Oh, and “Go Cowboys!”
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
Most of us are counting the hours until the opening kickoff of professional football next week. Dallas Cowboys fans are pinning their hopes on new coach Wade Phillips. Phillips brings over twenty years of NFL coaching experience to the Cowboys. He also brings something else, an understanding and appreciation of the importance of family.
Hours after being hired as the Cowboys head coach, one reporter asked Phillips how he felt about public sentiment that he is not a sexy hire. "Well," the 59-year-old coach chuckled, "I don't know if my wife would say that."
In a February interview with the Dallas Morning News, Phillips mentioned that throughout his coaching career, he has maintained a standing date night with his wife. Every Friday night he takes Laurie out on a date. He stated that he learned the importance of maintaining a strong marriage after watching his father, legendary coach “Bum” Phillips, spend time with his mother.
In making his marriage a priority, Phillips is providing a great example for his coaches, players, fans and especially, his children. As a successful coach, Phillips understands that winning games requires time, energy and hard work. Being an effective husband and father is not so different. A marriage is too important to take for granted. It must be fed, nurtured and protected.
Ephesians 5 reminds us, “So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it …” Perhaps it is time to take an inventory on your commitment to your marriage. Take a tip from Wade Phillips and start dating again. Oh, and “Go Cowboys!”
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Coach Landry's Priorities
Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a business leader’s prayer breakfast in Dallas. The keynote speaker was well-known author and motivational speaker Ken Blanchard. Many know Blanchard from his bestseller, The One Minute Manager. You may not know that Ken Blanchard became a Christian some years ago and is now an outspoken believer.
During his talk, Blanchard shared a great story regarding a conversation with Tom Landry some years ago. Blanchard asked Landry how he was able to keep his head while coaching all those years in the uncertain and volatile world of professional football. The legendary coach paused a second, thinking about his answer, and then responded. He explained that his secret was maintaining his priorities, God first, then his wife, then his children and finally his work. Then he added, because he lived by those priorities even if he lost on Sunday, he still had a lot left.
In Matthew 6:33 Christ taught us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Making God the priority of your life is much more than just going to church, it is making God the center of everything you do, including your work. When God created Adam, the first thing he did was to put him to work in the garden. We work for more that a paycheck, we work to fulfill a sacred calling.
This Sunday night we begin a six week study of the world of work. I think you will be pleasantly surprised to see how much the Bible says about work. Work does not have to be a drudgery of routine and boredom. God can transform our attitudes about our work. He can help us see that our work is a sacred task and that we have a ministry to the people with work with.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
During his talk, Blanchard shared a great story regarding a conversation with Tom Landry some years ago. Blanchard asked Landry how he was able to keep his head while coaching all those years in the uncertain and volatile world of professional football. The legendary coach paused a second, thinking about his answer, and then responded. He explained that his secret was maintaining his priorities, God first, then his wife, then his children and finally his work. Then he added, because he lived by those priorities even if he lost on Sunday, he still had a lot left.
In Matthew 6:33 Christ taught us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Making God the priority of your life is much more than just going to church, it is making God the center of everything you do, including your work. When God created Adam, the first thing he did was to put him to work in the garden. We work for more that a paycheck, we work to fulfill a sacred calling.
This Sunday night we begin a six week study of the world of work. I think you will be pleasantly surprised to see how much the Bible says about work. Work does not have to be a drudgery of routine and boredom. God can transform our attitudes about our work. He can help us see that our work is a sacred task and that we have a ministry to the people with work with.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Dungy and Smith, Doing It God's Way
Facing off in this year’s Super Bowl, coaches Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith reached the pinnacle of their chosen careers as NFL coaches. The exciting thing for me is that they were able to do so without compromising their Christian testimony. "I'm so happy that Lovie got [to the Super Bowl] because he does things the right way," said Dungy. In a story in the Miami Herald, Dungy said, "He's going to get there with a lot of class, no profanity, no intimidation, but just helping his guys play the best that they can.”
Both Dungy and Smith are well known in their prospective cities for their squeaky clean lifestyles. Neither man uses profanity, drinks or smokes. They rarely raise their voices, in meetings with players or on the sideline during games. They carry themselves with an air of grace and control. They are not shy about revealing their religious beliefs. Their values and lifestyle seem to run counter to what most of the peers are doing. Smith was recently quoted in a Chicago paper, "That's the way I try to do it, and I think it's great that we're able to show the world not only that African-American coaches can do it, but Christian coaches can do it in a way that, you know, we can still win."
For years, Dungy has preached to players that faith and family came before football. He chases his assistants away from the office at night, insisting they spend the time at home. He is also well known for his charitable work off the football field. He has always been about helping others, his strong sense of community evidenced by an extensive record of supporting worthy causes. He raises money to fund college scholarships for underprivileged children, frequently speaks to faith-based groups and has worked with prison ministries and foster-parent organizations, among others.
Both men see their coaching career as a ministry opportunity, first to the men they are working with and then to the community. They like to be seen as counters to the long-held culture of fear associated with football coaches. They see their roles as teachers, not generals, who lead by explanation, not intimidation. When Smith began working for Dungy during his time at Tampa Bay, he was reminded of his own father, Thurman Smith, who was the ultimate optimist, showering his children with praise. Dungy, after the Buccaneers lost their first five games in 1996, did the same with his assistants. A philosophy of positive reinforcement was established.
"I think young people are struggling with their identity," Dungy says. "What really makes them tick? What's important to them? We're getting a lot of conflicted messages. That's one thing that we, as a society, have to get across to our young guys: How are you going to be defined? Are you defined by being successful at work? By being an All-American or a Pro Bowler? Is that what makes us, or is it something different? Hopefully, we can get across to them that it's something different. It's what you are internally."
Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” For years I have tried to remind God’s people that when we go God’s way we get God’s best. If two men can maintain their Christian convictions and testimony in the midst of the rough and tumble world of the NFL, and be successful, you can do the same in your career field. Let’s do it God’s way and see what happens.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Both Dungy and Smith are well known in their prospective cities for their squeaky clean lifestyles. Neither man uses profanity, drinks or smokes. They rarely raise their voices, in meetings with players or on the sideline during games. They carry themselves with an air of grace and control. They are not shy about revealing their religious beliefs. Their values and lifestyle seem to run counter to what most of the peers are doing. Smith was recently quoted in a Chicago paper, "That's the way I try to do it, and I think it's great that we're able to show the world not only that African-American coaches can do it, but Christian coaches can do it in a way that, you know, we can still win."
For years, Dungy has preached to players that faith and family came before football. He chases his assistants away from the office at night, insisting they spend the time at home. He is also well known for his charitable work off the football field. He has always been about helping others, his strong sense of community evidenced by an extensive record of supporting worthy causes. He raises money to fund college scholarships for underprivileged children, frequently speaks to faith-based groups and has worked with prison ministries and foster-parent organizations, among others.
Both men see their coaching career as a ministry opportunity, first to the men they are working with and then to the community. They like to be seen as counters to the long-held culture of fear associated with football coaches. They see their roles as teachers, not generals, who lead by explanation, not intimidation. When Smith began working for Dungy during his time at Tampa Bay, he was reminded of his own father, Thurman Smith, who was the ultimate optimist, showering his children with praise. Dungy, after the Buccaneers lost their first five games in 1996, did the same with his assistants. A philosophy of positive reinforcement was established.
"I think young people are struggling with their identity," Dungy says. "What really makes them tick? What's important to them? We're getting a lot of conflicted messages. That's one thing that we, as a society, have to get across to our young guys: How are you going to be defined? Are you defined by being successful at work? By being an All-American or a Pro Bowler? Is that what makes us, or is it something different? Hopefully, we can get across to them that it's something different. It's what you are internally."
Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” For years I have tried to remind God’s people that when we go God’s way we get God’s best. If two men can maintain their Christian convictions and testimony in the midst of the rough and tumble world of the NFL, and be successful, you can do the same in your career field. Let’s do it God’s way and see what happens.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Two True Christian Champions
Super Bowl XLI is now in the record books. Indianapolis Colts’ coach Tony Dungy and Chicago Bears’ coach Lovie Smith have made history. Not only have they distinguished themselves as the first two African-American coaches to take teams to the Super Bowl, they have also distinguished themselves as committed Christians who have used their notoriety to bring greater fame to the name of Christ.
During the trophy ceremony following the game, Dungy told the crowd of thousands and the television audience of millions, "I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this, but again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."
Dungy and Smith, who have been close friends for years, were featured in a full-page ad in USA Today on Friday before the big game. In the ad, sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ, the two coaches said that while they may attain the height of their profession with a Super Bowl victory, their faith in Jesus Christ is still more important.
The Sunday before leaving for Miami, Dungy spent the day at his home church, Northside New Era Baptist Church, prepping for the big game. "We could not let this get by without your Christian family saying, 'God bless you. We're proud of you,'" said the Rev. Clarence C. Moore. "I believe he preached the greatest sermon without saying a word by walking in and giving God time before the biggest game of his life." added Moore. "That's who he is and he expects that of the people around him."
Other members of the Bears and Colts organizations are determined to use their worldwide platform to express the difference their faith in Christ makes in their lives, too.
"Coaches have sold cars and airlines for years [in commercials], so why shouldn’t they promote the King of kings and Lord of lords?" said Colts chaplain Ken Johnson, a close friend and prayer partner of Dungy. "We don’t have to compromise our views for the world and Tony is not going to compromise his before the world’s media this week."
Former NFL player and Bears chaplain Harry Swayne said he’s excited that Smith and the players he’s been working with for years can share what is most important during this media-crazed week leading up to Super Bowl XLI. "I’ve told them not to set trophies before God," Swayne said. "One of the things we’ve been talking about in our Bible studies is, ‘finish,’ and I’ve told our guys not to forget who brought you here. Don’t forget Christ."
God has given each of us a platform to proclaim Christ and bring Him greater fame. Christ told his followers, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Your platform may not be in front of 90 million people on the world stage, but still it is significant. My brother, do not waste the opportunities God is giving you to make a difference.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
During the trophy ceremony following the game, Dungy told the crowd of thousands and the television audience of millions, "I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this, but again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."
Dungy and Smith, who have been close friends for years, were featured in a full-page ad in USA Today on Friday before the big game. In the ad, sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ, the two coaches said that while they may attain the height of their profession with a Super Bowl victory, their faith in Jesus Christ is still more important.
The Sunday before leaving for Miami, Dungy spent the day at his home church, Northside New Era Baptist Church, prepping for the big game. "We could not let this get by without your Christian family saying, 'God bless you. We're proud of you,'" said the Rev. Clarence C. Moore. "I believe he preached the greatest sermon without saying a word by walking in and giving God time before the biggest game of his life." added Moore. "That's who he is and he expects that of the people around him."
Other members of the Bears and Colts organizations are determined to use their worldwide platform to express the difference their faith in Christ makes in their lives, too.
"Coaches have sold cars and airlines for years [in commercials], so why shouldn’t they promote the King of kings and Lord of lords?" said Colts chaplain Ken Johnson, a close friend and prayer partner of Dungy. "We don’t have to compromise our views for the world and Tony is not going to compromise his before the world’s media this week."
Former NFL player and Bears chaplain Harry Swayne said he’s excited that Smith and the players he’s been working with for years can share what is most important during this media-crazed week leading up to Super Bowl XLI. "I’ve told them not to set trophies before God," Swayne said. "One of the things we’ve been talking about in our Bible studies is, ‘finish,’ and I’ve told our guys not to forget who brought you here. Don’t forget Christ."
God has given each of us a platform to proclaim Christ and bring Him greater fame. Christ told his followers, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Your platform may not be in front of 90 million people on the world stage, but still it is significant. My brother, do not waste the opportunities God is giving you to make a difference.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Thursday, November 09, 2006
A Coach After God's Own Heart
Last Monday night, October 30, thousands of Ohio State football fans packed an arena on the Ohio State campus. They came from all over the state of Ohio, some driving up to 90 minutes to attend what was being called “The Main Event”. They did not come to cheer on their #1 ranked team or to heap accolades on Coach Jim Tressel and his star players. Instead, they came to hear the coach and several players give God the glory for their successes.
"Once you understand that God is behind everything, it gives you strength," wide receiver Roy Hall told the crowd. Coach Tressel said he wanted to step away from his role of coach and speak "as a child of God." He told the crowd that in 1969 he attended a high school sports summer camp where retired New York Yankees second baseman Bobby Richardson asked him, "If the game of life ended tonight, would you be a winner?"
Senior Joe Penton echoed those comments. "We would feel so bad talking about our relationship with Christ tonight, without giving you an opportunity to enter into that very same relationship, Penton says, "When Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, died on that cross, he took on the penalty for our sin. Because he paid it, we can have a relationship with Him. We can know Him personally. We can have the promise of eternal life -- living forever with God."
How exciting to see Coach Tressel and his team using their notoriety to honor Christ and to influence people to believe in Him. Think what might happen if every Christian would use his or her influence to bring attention to Christ and the gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” My friend, you were made to do one primary thing – to bring glory to God. That is your greatest purpose and highest calling. If even the most mundane things like eating and drinking, can be used to glorify God, think how more effective it would be to use your gifts, talents, strengths and resources to honor Christ. Today, may God be blessed and glorified in all we say and do.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
"Once you understand that God is behind everything, it gives you strength," wide receiver Roy Hall told the crowd. Coach Tressel said he wanted to step away from his role of coach and speak "as a child of God." He told the crowd that in 1969 he attended a high school sports summer camp where retired New York Yankees second baseman Bobby Richardson asked him, "If the game of life ended tonight, would you be a winner?"
Senior Joe Penton echoed those comments. "We would feel so bad talking about our relationship with Christ tonight, without giving you an opportunity to enter into that very same relationship, Penton says, "When Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, died on that cross, he took on the penalty for our sin. Because he paid it, we can have a relationship with Him. We can know Him personally. We can have the promise of eternal life -- living forever with God."
How exciting to see Coach Tressel and his team using their notoriety to honor Christ and to influence people to believe in Him. Think what might happen if every Christian would use his or her influence to bring attention to Christ and the gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” My friend, you were made to do one primary thing – to bring glory to God. That is your greatest purpose and highest calling. If even the most mundane things like eating and drinking, can be used to glorify God, think how more effective it would be to use your gifts, talents, strengths and resources to honor Christ. Today, may God be blessed and glorified in all we say and do.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Facing the Giants
Grant Taylor had been coaching the Shiloh Christian School Eagles football team for six seasons – six loosing seasons. His expectations for the coming season are dashed when his star player transfers to another team. Compounding his discouragement, he and his wife are facing infertility and he has recently discovered that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach.
This is the plot for the new movie Facing the Giants that opens this Friday night in area theaters. The story illustrates how a man who is drowning in discouragement can find strength and hope from his relationship with Christ. Using a sports scenario, the movie shows how faith can be integrated into every day life, allowing us to gain victory over the challenges and difficulties that plague us. It also teaches how one man’s influence can impact the lives of many more.
Facing the Giants has been described as a blend of Rocky, Hoosiers and Friday Night Lights. It is rated PG because of its religious themes. Sadly, the Motion Picture Rating Association has decided that parents need to be warned so they can protect their children from Christianity.
Try to see the movie on opening weekend so it will have the opportunity to have a longer run and movie executives will see that there is a market for family friendly movies.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
This is the plot for the new movie Facing the Giants that opens this Friday night in area theaters. The story illustrates how a man who is drowning in discouragement can find strength and hope from his relationship with Christ. Using a sports scenario, the movie shows how faith can be integrated into every day life, allowing us to gain victory over the challenges and difficulties that plague us. It also teaches how one man’s influence can impact the lives of many more.
Facing the Giants has been described as a blend of Rocky, Hoosiers and Friday Night Lights. It is rated PG because of its religious themes. Sadly, the Motion Picture Rating Association has decided that parents need to be warned so they can protect their children from Christianity.
Try to see the movie on opening weekend so it will have the opportunity to have a longer run and movie executives will see that there is a market for family friendly movies.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Dream big
After opening on August 25, the movie Invincible was the top movie for three consecutive weeks. The movie Invincible is based on the life of Vince Papale. Vince had a dream. His dream was to play professional football. He had graduated from Philadelphia's University on a track scholarship. He played in the World Football League for two years until it folded in 1975. At 30 years of age, his prospects for playing in the NFL were remote to say the least.
Enter Dick Vermeil. Dick also had a dream. A college coach at UCLA, he wanted to coach professional football. In 1976 he was hired as head coach by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was facing some big challenges, especially since the team was coming off of 11 straight loosing seasons. As a publicity stunt, he decided to publicize an open tryout in the Philadelphia area. He admits that he was more interested in stirring up the team than finding new players.
Vince Papale tried out and so impressed Vermeil with his speed and grace that he received an offer to attend training camp and eventually earned a place on the team. At the age of 30, Papale became the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL to play without the benefit of college football experience. He went on to play wide receiver and special teams for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 through 1978. During that time, he played in 41 of 44 regular season games recording two fumble recoveries and one fifteen-yard reception. He was voted Special Teams Captain by his teammates, and "Man of the Year" by the Eagles in 1978 for his many charitable activities. A shoulder injury ended his career in 1979. After retiring from the NFL, he worked as a TV and radio broadcaster for eight years, then became a commercial mortgage banker.
What is your dream? Psalm 34:12 teaches us to “Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I hope your heart desire is something more noble and enduring than just playing in the NFL. God is looking for men with pure desires who will plant them by faith in the will of God and trust they will return in His perfect timing. I challenge you to dream great dreams for God and then watch Him bring them to fruition.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
Enter Dick Vermeil. Dick also had a dream. A college coach at UCLA, he wanted to coach professional football. In 1976 he was hired as head coach by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was facing some big challenges, especially since the team was coming off of 11 straight loosing seasons. As a publicity stunt, he decided to publicize an open tryout in the Philadelphia area. He admits that he was more interested in stirring up the team than finding new players.
Vince Papale tried out and so impressed Vermeil with his speed and grace that he received an offer to attend training camp and eventually earned a place on the team. At the age of 30, Papale became the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL to play without the benefit of college football experience. He went on to play wide receiver and special teams for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 through 1978. During that time, he played in 41 of 44 regular season games recording two fumble recoveries and one fifteen-yard reception. He was voted Special Teams Captain by his teammates, and "Man of the Year" by the Eagles in 1978 for his many charitable activities. A shoulder injury ended his career in 1979. After retiring from the NFL, he worked as a TV and radio broadcaster for eight years, then became a commercial mortgage banker.
What is your dream? Psalm 34:12 teaches us to “Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I hope your heart desire is something more noble and enduring than just playing in the NFL. God is looking for men with pure desires who will plant them by faith in the will of God and trust they will return in His perfect timing. I challenge you to dream great dreams for God and then watch Him bring them to fruition.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
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