One of the most frustrating things to watch is a sports team in which one individual wants to be the star—even at the expense of the team’s success. The famed football coach Vince Lombardi said, “The only true satisfaction a player receives is the satisfaction that comes from being part of a successful team, regardless of his personal accomplishments.”

The church is a team, and each person must yield his personal rights for the success of others and the cause of Christ.

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:1–4)

Teamwork makes serving together enjoyable. First Thessalonians 5:11 tells us, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

So what attributes make for great team players? (more…)

The Lord provided an opportunity for special time with my sons Tuesday evening. I had a meeting in Phoenix, and a friend helped Larry, Matt, and I get seats at a Lakers v. Suns game. At the game, we passed out several tracts, and we were asked to do two interviews on NBC.

The Lakers lost the game, but spending the evening with Larry and Matt was a true joy. As John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4). (more…)

I had the opportunity to meet up with our college basketball team this past Friday as they traveled on a two-game road trip.  My son, Matthew, is enjoying his second season of basketball with the West Coast Eagles, so I have tried to be at the games to cheer him and his teammates on. It has been a joy to watch him and his fellow players mature both on and off the court this season.

After our team had secured a victory, we gathered together at the local restaurant for a time of fellowship.  I was greatly encouraged by the godly testimony and spirit of each of our players and am thankful for this time I spent with them.

More than being impressed with their abilities on the court, I am proud of the obvious desire these young men have to serve the Lord. While they enjoy playing basketball, their primary focus is preparing to train for the ministry. In fact, when these men graduate, they will join the ranks of many other former players who are now serving the Lord around the world.

I am thankful for the privilege to help train these leaders for God’s work. Please pray for them as they finish their season and this semester for God’s glory!

Last week we conducted the West Coast Baptist College Days here on our campus. It is always a blessing to have young people visit us and consider attending West Coast Baptist College in the future. A strong number of the visiting seniors registered to begin their college days with us in the fall.

I had the privilege to preach to the students on Friday morning and on Friday evening I was able to attend the alumni basketball game. This is the only game during the year when I am actually able to root for both sides!

Our alumni team was comprised of young men who are all serving the Lord in the ministries of other independent Baptist churches. Tears came to my eyes when I saw them here on the campus playing together once again.

Our 2007-2008 college basketball team is comprised of a great group of young men who truly have an “iron-sharpening-iron” effect amongst themselves. These young men want to serve the Lord and obviously enjoy playing basketball.

The alumni, led by twenty-seven points from Josh Beeson, held the basketball team to a tie at the first half, but finally the 2007-2008 Eagles won the game!

After the game, I had all of the young men go to the centercourt for a word of prayer. I reminded the current students that they are just a few months and years away from being out in the ministry themselves. Please pray for these young people as they serve the Lord.

Tonight I attended the Lancaster Baptist High School Varsity basketball game. I enjoy basketball, and I love being with our church family. I especially enjoy watching our youngest son, Matt, play in his senior year.

One of the things that always strikes me in basketball is the “Momentum Factor”. Momentum swings from one team to another so quickly in high school sports! Ultimately, however, it seems like momentum stays with the athlete or the team that remains focused and diligent in their disciplines.

I believe the best way to maintain momentum in the Christian life is to keep our focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. There are plenty of “loud” bystanders and unfair “referees” in life, but if we remain focused on Christ, we are sure to experience victory!

Hebrews 12:1-3 says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

It was fun to see Matt win a victory tonight, but the great joy will be seeing Matt and his teammates stay focused on Christ in their lives. As we seek Him, He will help us to run the race set before us!