A strong young man at a construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen.
After several minutes, the older worker had had enough.
“Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is?” he said. “I’ll bet a week’s wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that building that you won’t be able to wheel back.” Continue reading
Filed under Love More. Give More
Greetings from Welland, Ontario, Canada
What a wonderful, exciting, and encouraging week we’ve experienced participating in the annual Wellandport VBS. This church may be small in number compared to many other churches, but they are mighty in spirit. And they put on a VBS that would rival many other churches four times their size. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
Michael Jordan, Tim Tebow, Pete Rose, Eric Liddell, and Wayne Gretzky—what do they all have in common?
Apart from being outstanding athletes in their respective sports, each was known for incredible passion. Continue reading
In The Greatest Finish Fails in Sports History, Andrew Daniels recounts several stories of runners, cyclists, and ballplayers who celebrated victory too soon—only to suffer heartbreaking defeat.
At the 2014 Shanghai Diamond League meet, Algeria’s Taoufik Makhloufi stretched out his arms and stuck out his tongue just before crossing the finish line in the men’s 800 meters. In those final moments, Kenya’s Robert Biwott surged past him for the victory. Continue reading
One of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time, John Wooden, believed teamwork was the indispensable ingredient of success. During an incredible 12-season stretch in the 1960s and 1970s, Wooden’s UCLA teams won an astonishing 10 NCAA Championships.
While he coached many players who later became NBA superstars, Wooden never allowed individual talent to overshadow the team. His philosophy was simple: “The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.” Continue reading
Every four years, the Olympics reveal incredible displays of courage, fortitude, and perseverance. Few, however, can surpass what Sifan Hassan did during the Tokyo Olympics.
Hassan, a long-distance runner from the Netherlands, demonstrated remarkable determination in the 1,500-meter qualifying heat.
With one lap to go, a runner ahead of her tripped, creating a domino effect. Hassan tried unsuccessfully to leap over the fallen runner and crashed to the track herself. Continue reading
In her book Reach for the Summit, the late Hall of Fame University of Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summit offered this insightful observation:
“Discipline is the internal mechanism that motivates you. It gets you out of bed in the morning. It gets you to work on time, and it tells you when you need to work late. It drives you. It is essential to success, whether individually or in a group.”
Greetings from Welland, Ontario, Canada!
It’s great to be back in Canada, reconnecting with dear friends and brethren, enjoying the best gelato this side of Italy, and sharing God’s Word with some very special people.
On Sunday, we pick up the pace with the start of the Wellandport VBS. I’ll be preaching and teaching the adult class, using this year’s sports theme, “Developing the Heart of a Spiritual Champion.” Together, we’ll consider five essential qualities of a spiritual champion: Discipline. Perseverance. Teamwork. Focus. And Passion. Continue reading
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As we hear of the passing of friends, acquaintances, and even people younger than we are, it’s impossible for Norma and me not to realize how richly God has blessed us at ages 78 and 79.
While we have our share of aches, pains, and the inevitable limitations that come with age, we are deeply grateful. Many faithful people were never granted the privilege of living long, fruitful lives.
So when I read this reflection from Daily Devotion, it resonated with me. I hope it encourages you as well—whether you’re young, middle-aged, or enjoying your later years. Continue reading
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Why am I here?
Sooner or later, every thoughtful person asks that question.
We may phrase it differently. Where did I come from? Does my life matter? Is there a purpose for my existence? But behind each question is the same longing—to know that our lives have meaning. Continue reading
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