The Ultimate Ground Rules

Today we continue our study through the book of Colossians as Paul talks about struggling with a purpose.

Today we continue our study through the book of Colossians with an emphasis on keeping the main thing the main thing.

As we begin 2022, we start a study in the book of Colossians and a challenge to pray for those in the coaching fraternity.

As we wrap up the fall and approach Christmas, I pray that you know real hope - the hope that is available in Christ. A little off the script today, but hope is here!

Today we wrap up our fall study of 2nd Timothy by looking at what it means to fulfill your ministry as a coach.

We continue our study through 2 Timothy looking at the realities of struggles and persecution. While they do exist, God has a plan for his people to persevere through them. A plan every athlete and coach should know.

As we continue our study in 2 Timothy, today we look at the importance of the application of knowledge. What are we doing with what God has given us?

As we continue our fall study of 2 Timothy, today we look at what it means to be an approved worker. How does our approach as coaches point to a bigger purpose?

In athletics, loyalty is key and something we expect from our players. Today, we continue our fall study of 2nd Timothy by looking at the believer's responsibility to be loyal to the gospel.

Today we begin our fall study of 2 Timothy by looking at the relationship between Paul and Timothy and the idea of legacy.

The end of an athletic season or a season of life can be difficult but Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes that investing in others is where the real value of life exists.

Encouragement is so powerful and as believers we are called upon to edify and build up the body of Christ. That may seem like a tall order but you can take part through a simple text.

You will encounter frustrating and difficult days that may lead you to question the purpose of your efforts. The words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6 should serve as a reminder to us in those difficult times that we are to be poured out.

In the book of 2 Samuel we read of three distinct types of individuals that every man needs by his side if he desires to be successful.

As coaches, we like to try and control a lot but we must never forget that God is the one in complete control - even when it doesn't seem like it.

Balancing the coaching life with home life can be very difficult. Today we look to the advice of King Solomon as our guide in winning this challenge.

In all of athletics, focus is imperative. In the book of Matthew, Peter's experience walking on water teaches us that keeping our focus on Jesus is key.

Today I sit down with Rob Stacy, head baseball coach at Clinton High School in Tennessee. Rob is an exciting young coach who shares his passion for his kids and community as well as strategies to reach his players well beyond the field.

We all make mistakes, but how we respond to them is what matters. In Psalm 51, King David sets the standard.

Much of a coach's job revolves around dealing with people and inevitable conflict. In those situations, King Solomon reminds us that a soft answer is much more productive.

While the temptation to question your level of effectiveness is real, Scripture calls us to recognize that everything we do matters. Paul speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and today we apply that to our role as a coach.

Today on The Ultimate Ground Rules Podcast, I sit down with Lance Rorex, the head baseball coach at Silverdale Academy in Chattanooga, TN. Lance is a up and coming young coach who does things the right way and he shares his insight into developing and making disciples of young men.

Today the show celebrates 100 episodes and stops to reflect on the opportunity coaches have for eternal impact every day. An opportunity that we should give thanks for.

Good coaches want to be on the right side of any decision but how do we know what the right side is? A unique story in Joshua 5 seems to imply that we shouldn't be concerned about being on the right side but instead we should be concerned about being on God's side.

At times in our coaching journey we will be placed in a situation where we must stand firm against the culture at large or popular thought. We must do what is right. In the Old Testament, a man named Phinehas sets the example for us.

A new year provides new opportunity. In Proverbs 4, King Solomon provides wise words that will serve coaches well as they look to make a great impact in 2021.

The words of Paul in Colossians 3:1-17 remind us coaches that in a world of uncertainty, we can be certain.

Quite often we can fall into the trap of trying to be someone else but God has called us to be who He has created us to be. In order to be an effective coach, we must be ourselves.

All throughout his New Testament letters, Paul demonstrates his thankfulness and challenges us to be thankful, but are we?

Today we take a look at Psalm 23 and four principles it teaches that can help you become a wise and good shepherd to those under your care.

Today we wrap up our fall study of James by looking at the virtue of patience. While everything doesn't always go our way or as smoothly as we would like, James calls on us to recognize the compassion and purpose of the Lord and remain steadfast. This is a lesson our players desperately need as well.

This week I sit down with Dakota Weatherley as he shares his story of God's miraculous work in his life along with the powerful impact of the coaching community.

As we continue our study in James, we are called to recognize the value of the day that God has given us. Don't miss out on today's opportunity for impact while waiting for tomorrow.

Today we continue our fall study of James by looking at the concept of selfish gain. This can be a real temptation in the coaching profession but James calls us to be where our feet are in order to maximize our impact.

Today our falls study of James brings us to chapter three and the power of the tongue. As coaches, James calls us to recognize the power that our words wield to either build up or tear down those around us.

Today we continue our fall study in the book of James by looking at the sin of partiality. How does it apply to our team and our role as a coach? How does the example of Christ drive our expectations?

Today we sit down with the Athletic Director of Tusculum University Doug Jones as he shares his thoughts on the power of athletics to impact student-athletes.

We continue our walk through the book of James with instruction on patience and action. Am I listening for God's voice and when I hear it am I acting upon it? James calls us to that very thing in order that we might display Christ and impact those around us.

Today we begin our fall journey through the book of James with his perspective on trials and testing. As coaches, we will encounter them but how will we respond? What do our athletes see?

Today I sit down with Brad Burns, head baseball coach at Pleasure Ridge Park High School in Kentucky, as he shares his valuable insight into the art of reaching young men through baseball.

The Ultimate Ground Rules returns this fall with a call to action. Coaches are needed now more than ever. How can we best meet the needs of our student-athletes and those around us. This week we focus on Philippians 4:8 as an answer to that question.

Today we speak to the power of words and the impact you can have as your players begin to return to sports activities.

Today's climate is producing a great amount of fear. How as coaches are we supposed to deal with it? Today we look at the examples of Joshua, Joseph, and Jesus for some guidance.

Today we look at the important of finding an identity in Christ and not in our ability as coaches or players. Paul points us to our real value and worth in Ephesians 4:1-3

Today we look at the importance of wisdom as an aspect of true leadership that a coach must possess. James 1:5-8 provides with the method to acquiring such valuable wisdom.

Today we look at Psalm 20 and the recognition that it is God alone that warrants our trust. As we abide in Him we can be a trusting voice for our players.

Today we look at the importance of reflection in our own personal lives as we seek to grow closer to God and have a greater impact on our players.

Today we look at Psalm 46 and it directs us to our knowledge of God to find peace in troubled times.

In light of recent developments, today we look at Psalm 13 as a guide for dealing with tough times.

This week I sit down with Jeremy Sheetinger, head baseball coach at Georgia Gwinnett College as he shares his thoughts on faith and the development of young men within his program.

Today I sit down with Eddie Stephenson, the head baseball coach at Baptist Prep in Arkansas, as he shares his personal faith journey as well as his journey as a coach. Eddie is beyond transparent and offers a ton of insight and value that no baseball coach will want to miss.