MATTHEWS
UNITED
METHODIST
CHURCH
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text
Youth Basketball League
2015-2016
PURSUINGGODLINESS
COACHES DEVOTIONAL HANDBOOK
Putting God first is the most important part of our game. Providing recreational opportunities for affirming, encouraging, and nurturing
teens in Christ’s love.
INTRODUCTION
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the
present life and the life to come.”
- 1Timothy 4:8
God is Lord over all of our actions, including our play. He created the world and called it “good.” While we
often think of creation the natural world, but God also created fun. When we understand God as the creator
of recreation, we can enjoy fun for what it is: a way to honor God with our time. Along with teaching
teenagers the Bible, the importance of serving, and how to live a life of faith, we also want to cultivate in our
youth a theology of play.
Our league is dedicated to the families, and more specifically, the youth of our community. We take this time
to reinforce what we believe, to revive character and honor, so our young people can see God's way of life.
We believe being a Christian is the greatest life there is. This league hopes to invest that life in teenagers
through fun.
You, as the Coach, have an awesome opportunity. Your players will trust and rely on you to show them what
is right, not only on the court, but with life in general. Your words and actions are a precious model to them.
God placed you in this position because he has equipped you for the task. Your knowledge and love of
sports is secondary to the real reason you have been chosen. You are called to live and share the love and
message of our Lord Jesus Christ with teenagers and their families. Please take this responsibility seriously
and rise to the calling. You can do it!
The lessons in this handbook are designed to help you share with your players (and their parents) many
traits, characteristics and guiding principles that will help them to live a life of excellent faith. In a world of
compromise, you can let them know there is a more honorable way. The lessons are simple, easily adapted
to the age group you are coaching, and will take only 5 to 10 minutes from each practice. It is our hope that
many useful conversations are generated from it and our players walk away with an example that will have a
long-lasting effect.
Coaches are expected to lead one devotion per week as part of your practice time. We ask that you take the
first or last 10 minutes of every practice to sit down with your team and read through the week’s devotion.
Please follow through the devotions in order (they are dated) as each team in the league will be doing the
same one each week. At weekend games before the opening prayer, one team will be designated to
summarize the devotional thought of the week. The team responsible for the devotional thought is
designated on the Master Schedule. Please note when your team is responsible—we encourage you to give
youth the opportunity to share the devotional thought.
Thank you for your time and energy. The most important thing you will do this season is to disciple the
players on your team. Enjoy your time. Even if your team doesn’t win every game or the championship, your
connection with your players and the changes in their hearts and attitudes will transcend the season.
Leading your players to grow closer to God this season is your championship.
For many of your players, this time with you might be the only time someone pours themselves into their
lives. It may be the only time they look into God’s Word. Please take time to read the verses above
everything else so that the players, and you, engage with Jesus’ words. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough
questions and give real answers or wait for theirs. Don’t hesitate to say, “I don’t know.” We pray your
devotion time will be challenging and fruitful. Thank you for your role in this God honoring opportunity.
Please Note: Our leadership is here to assist you in any way necessary. Do not hesitate to ask. If you need
help in presenting lessons or just some encouragement or tips, please call us at (704) 915-1916 and leave a
message or send an email to [email protected]. We will get back to you in a timely manner.
Lesson Format
Prepare yourself by studying the lessons before presenting them. Pray and expect God to perform miracles
in the needs of your players and their families because of His faithfulness and your obedience.
Lessons will be taught as a part of every practice. If you have 2 practices per week, teach 2 different
aspects of that week’s lesson. During games, we will spend the first 3 minutes having the youth review the
lesson for the week which you covered during the previous practice. Just like practicing free throws,
repetition is one of the keys to mastery. This is also a good opportunity to review what your players retained
from the time it was taught.
The following format is used in the presentation of each lesson:
1. Game Plan
The main teaching, emphasis, trait or characteristic of the lesson.
2. Warm-Up
The opening question and definition of the main teaching, emphasis, trait or characteristic of the lesson.
3. Tip-Off
A quote intended to cause your players to think about its meaning.
4. Time Out
Ask your players what the quote means to them. Remember, there are no wrong answers. They are simply
telling you what they believe it means. Be prepare to sit through a long pause while they think.
5. Slam Dunk
The main teaching from the lesson
6. Pass or Shoot
This is a series of questions that will help you make the teaching stick. Don’t be afraid to leave some of the
questions unanswered. Unanswered questions provoke thought.
7. Substitution
An initial scripture that deals with the main teaching.
8. The Final Whistle
Close in prayer that centers on the main teaching. Ask God to help the players to maintain a high standard
for their lives, and to help the players to stand strong making good decisions. You can also ask the players if
they have any special requests or needs to bring to the Lord during prayer.
POSTUP
Lesson 1: Nov 29 - Dec 5
Game Plan - Establish your position for the day
Warm-Up - What is posting up?
Tip-Off
Posting up establishes your position.
Time Out
Ask your players what the saying above means to them.
Slam Dunk
Great players know what it means to post up: “Posting up is to establish a position in the low
post, the area near the basket below the foul line, usually in order to take advantage of a smaller
defender.”
When you see big players posting up, it looks like an all-out battle. Those players do whatever it
takes to get position and get the ball. Even if you don’t post up on the court like you should,
there’s a different type of posting up you can do every day. It’s a battle, and it’s for positioning, but
it’s not about basketball. This kind of posting up involves you and the Lord.
Every morning, post up to get the Word of God in me. If you’re on God’s team, you realize your
need for daily time with God. You need to be ready and prepared. You have to post up. Take a
second right now to reread that official description of posting up, but read it in spiritual terms. It
makes a big difference and great analogy, doesn’t it?
Pass or Shoot
When it comes to the spiritual post-up, we’ve learned three helpful tips:
Establish position. We need to face away from the competition and live a separated life
(Romans 12:1-2). We must have a strong stance and not be rocked by this world. We need
to stand strong against the opponent. It’s a daily battle.
Call for the ball. You don’t post up for the fun of it, but to get the ball. Are you calling out to
the Lord and asking Him to show up and to speak to you? To reveal to you the deeper
things? He desires to pass His Word to you daily, but you need to ask for it.
Make a play and score. Once you get the ball, you are in the position to make an impact.
Each day, when you fill up with God’s Word, you are ready to serve, minister, love and invest
in others.
Substitution
“God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You. I thirst for You; my body faints for You in a land that is
dry, desolate, and without water.” -Psalm 63:1
The Final Whistle
Ask for any prayer needs and during prayer ask the Lord to help your players to serve as
examples of people who are prepared, that they would do as they are asked, do it quickly, and
with a good attitude.
PURPOSE
Lesson 2: Dec 6 – Dec 12
Game Plan - Players will understand what knowing their purpose does for them.
Warm-Up - What does it mean to play with purpose?
Tip-Off
Playing with purpose is knowing what you do well and helping the team through that ability.
Time Out
Ask your players what the above saying means to them.
Slam Dunk
In Romans 12:6-8, the apostle Paul teaches us that we all have God-given gifts, and we are called
to use those gifts for His purpose. This is true for all competitors, and it’s true for all aspects of our
life. As athletes, it might be the difference between leading the team and providing support from
the bench. As Christians, it might be the difference between speaking publicly from a platform and
serving others anonymously. But no matter what our role of responsibility might be, it’s important
that we remember to play with purpose, live our lives with humility and desire to make a difference
through the love of Christ.
Pass or Shoot
1. What role do you currently play on your sports team?
2. Are you satisfied with that role? Explain.
3. What do you think it means to “play with purpose”?
4. What can you start doing today that will allow you to embrace that principle?
Substitution
According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the
standard of one’s faith; if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation;
giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness. - Romans 12:6-8
The Final Whistle
Lord, I want to play with purpose. I want to embrace my role and embrace the gifts and abilities
with which You have blessed me. Help me transfer this principle beyond the field of competition
and into every aspect of my life. Amen.
PLAYINGWITHPASSION
Lesson 3: Jan 3 – Jan 9
Game Plan - Players will understand what it means to show and practice love.
Warm-Up - What does it mean to play with passion?
Tip-Off
Playing with passion infects our whole life.
Time Out
Ask your players what the saying above means to them.
Slam Dunk
We’ve probably all been known as a highly competitive players. We use every inch or margin within
the rules of the game to my advantage. In life, it’s not hard to come to the conclusion that if we’re
not being competitive then we’re not giving our best to God. So we have to figure how to maintain
our edge without losing our godliness. It’s hard understanding how to push and fight and never get
to the point where it made me think, say or do ungodly things. When we’re able to harness our
passion, that’s when we are truly able to glorify Him through basketball.
Playing with passion is all about giving God your best and striving for excellence. This goes beyond
the court and into every aspect of my life. It’s about me having a passion for serving others, being
a good friend and doing everything “enthusiastically” for Him.
As an athlete, it’s important to let that passion show up when you train, practice and play your
sport. But it’s just as important to strive for the same level of excellence in your relationship with
God, your relationship with others and anything that He calls you to do. That’s living a life
consumed with God’s passion.
Pass or Shoot
1. What are you most passionate about?
2. What do you think is the connection between passion and excellence?
3. Read Colossians 3:23. How can you strive for excellence in all areas of your life, not just the
thing you are most passionate about?
Substitution
Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.
- Colossians 3:23
The Final Whistle
Lord, light a fire of passion within my heart so that I might strive for excellence in everything I do. I
want to passionately pursue You, serve others and play my sport to Your glory. Amen.
DEALINGWITHADVERSITY
Lesson 4: Jan 10 – Jan 16
Game Plan - Players will gain an understanding of what it means to be persevere.
Warm-Up - What makes someone continue even when it seems impossible?
Tip-Off
Winners are not people who never fail. Winner s are people who never give up.
Time Out
Ask your players what the above saying means.
Slam Dunk
Anyone who saw Kevin Ware’s leg break in March of 2013 could hardly forget it. One minute he
was running down the court, playing competitively, the next moment his leg folded in half at the
shin. It was a horrific sight that few could forget. Even his team-mate’s reaction was devastating.
What people didn’t hear or remember what Ware’s reaction while lying on the floor of the court.
Ware repeatedly said, "I'm fine, just win the game.” Even while in excruciating pain and faced with
the end of his basketball career, Ware stuck with it. Ware was named MVP in 2015 playing with
Georgia State. He kept with it.
Pass or Shoot
1. When have you overcome adversity in sports?
2. Have you ever become so consumed with sports that an adversity completely devastated you?
What did you learn?
3. What are some common adversities we face in sports?
Substitution
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who
goes with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
The Final Whistle
Lord, give us the strength to overcome all the trails that seek to discourage me from fulfilling Your
ultimate plan. In Your mighty name. Amen.
RUNNINGTHERACE
Lesson 5: Jan 17 – Jan 23
Game Plan - Players will understand the benefits of teamwork and commitment.
Warm-Up - What makes someone stick with something or someone, even when they disagree?
Tip-Off
We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect each other and
care for each other.
Time Out
Ask your players what the above saying means.
Slam Dunk
The 2007 Boston Marathon was run under adverse weather conditions. The temperature was in
the low 40's, and the wind blew at 30 miles per hour blowing gusts that reached up to 50. To run
in those conditions takes more than training, more than carbo-loading, more than simply desiring
to finish the race. That day, it took a will to persist in spite of opposition and extreme
discouragement. It helped being surrounded by others who were committed to reaching the same
goal.
Hebrews 12:1 tells us to develop perseverance. Overcoming the enemy takes more than training,
more than doing the right thing, more than wanting to be good. To defeat our spiritual enemy takes
perseverance and community.
Sometimes our perseverance lags. That’s why friendships are so important. Teams can do way
more just by working together. What makes this team work?
Pass or Shoot
1. Are you growing spiritually and adding to your faith the qualities that will help you run the race?
2. Are you willing to be the Christian God wants you to be in spite of overwhelming odds and
spiritual oppostion?
3. Establish a spiritual training plan that will help you add to your faith goodness, knowledge, selfcontrol, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.
Substitution
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything
that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked
out for us. - Hebrews 12:1
The Final Whistle
Ask for any prayer needs and during prayer ask the Lord to help your players to practice
teamwork. Ask that they would understand that even as God made body parts that have a
different job, He has also made each of them different and special as a part of the team.
ALLABOUTHEART
Lesson 6: Jan 24 – Jan 30
Game Plan - Players will understand the benefits of self-control and controlling their tempers.
Warm-Up - What does it mean to play with heart?
Tip-Off
Your worst battle is between what you know and what you feel.
Time Out
Ask your players what the above quote means.
Slam Dunk
It takes heart to play sports. Coaches fire up their teams by saying, “Go out there and play with all
your heart!” While skills and talent are important, playing with heart separates the good from the
great. Playing with heart is about drive, passion, and desire.
The Lord told Samuel he looks at the heart, not the external stuff. As athletes, not only do we play
with our hearts, but we should also have hearts for others. We may know what it means to give
our all on the field, but do we know what it means to give our all to God?
This easy acronym reminds us how to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength:
Hungry Heart: Do you have a hungry heart that devours the Word of God and prays continually?
Expecting Heart: Do you expect great and mighty things from a great and mighty God?
Abundant Heart: Is your heart full of God’s love?
Real Heart: Are you the real deal?
Teachable Heart. Are you a know-it-all athlete or a teach-it-to-me athlete?
Pass or Shoot
1. Are you an athlete who plays with heart?
2. Why is the heart so important when playing sports?
3. Looking at the heart acronym, which do you do the best? Which needs the most work?
Substitution
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have
rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord
sees the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7
The Final Whistle
Pray for your team that they would know the privilege of playing to gather as a team - on the court
and off. Ask that they would be humble when winning, encouraged when losing, and would be a
team that earns the respect of other teams because of the example they set in this area.
DEALINGWITHCRITICISM
Lesson 7: Jan 31 – Feb 6
Game Plan - Players will how to use criticism for the benefit.
Warm-Up - How do you feel when you are criticized?
Tip-Off
Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded.
Time Out
Ask your players what the above saying means.
Slam Dunk
Nobody likes to be criticized, and athletics is full of criticism. Whether it’s from players, coaches,
parents, or fans, any coach on any level has had to deal with the “critic.”
Unfortunately, not all criticism is constructive. Not all comments, phone calls, or conferences seek
to gracefully instruct us. Some are hurtful. Our verses today state that a wise man loves those who
rebuke or correct him. He’s open to learning. That can even come from a critic who’s not out to
teach, but to hurt. Sometimes these critics become our best helpers. Although their intentions
most likely border on “taking a shot” or two, in the process we can receive some valuable insights
we might not have gotten otherwise. Proverbs says, “Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and
beatings cleanse the innermost parts” (Pr 20:30).
A great Christian leader once said to look for the seeds of truth in every criticism. That’s good
advice. Evaluate criticism for seeds of truth, then grow in the grace God provides. If, after reflection
and prayer, you realize they’re missing seeds of truth, move on. Leave things in God’s hands. Even
Jesus was criticized and He was never wrong.
Pass or Shoot
1. As a player, what causes you to be critical?
2. Why does criticism hurt and make us angry?
Substitution
Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise
man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will learn more. - Proverbs 9:8–9
The Final Whistle
Father, help us look for truth, even when criticism might hurt. Amen.
THEDIFFERENCEOFATTITUDE
Lesson 8: Feb 7 – Feb 13
Game Plan - Players will see how attitude can make all the difference in the world.
Warm-Up - What is the difference between a good attitude and a bad attitude?
Tip-Off
The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem.
Time Out
Ask your players what the above saying means.
Slam Dunk
Daniel is one of my favorite people in the Bible. He kept a great attitude in spite of his
circumstances. He was moved to a strange land against his will, kept in captivity for most of his
life, and had his life threatened. He was loyal to his boss and worked for some difficult people. If
we think our coaches are tough sometimes, look at Daniel’s life. Nebuchadnezzar laid siege on
Jerusalem, tried to kill Daniel’s friends, and eventually lost his mind. Belshazzar was a heavy
drinker, had several wives, and stole sacred items from the temple. Darius had Daniel thrown into
the lion’s den for being obedient to God. Yet, Daniel never complained.
Daniel never forgot where his talent came from or whom he really served. As athletes, there are
many things out of our control - who makes the starting line-up, the quality of the officials, and the
schedule. The two things we can control are our attitude and effort. Daniel did a great job in both
of these areas, making him an outstanding worker, teammate, and leader.
Pass or Shoot
1. How would you evaluate your attitude and effort in school? in your sport?
2. What is your definition of excellence?
3. How do you deal with people who treat you poorly?
Substitution
The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to serve in the king’s court. In every matter of wisdom and
understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them 10 times better than all the
diviner-priests and mediums in his entire kingdom.–Daniel 1:19-20
The Final Whistle
Father, thank You for never leaving my side. Help me be strong and obedient like Daniel. Give me
the courage to live up to Your standards with my eyes focused on You. Amen.
TRUEGLORY
Lesson 9: Feb 14 – Feb 20
Game Plan - Players will understand the difference between personal glory and real glory.
Warm-Up - What is the most awesome thing you could imagine doing?
Tip-Off
In my deepest wounds I saw your glory and it astounded me.
Time Out
Why are wounds so often associated with glory?
Slam Dunk
Have you ever been on a team that has won it all? Winning a championship title is truly a position
of glory. Really it is the only position of true glory in sports because you received the highest honor
possible! No other team could make that claim.
While we are on the earth, we a guaranteed a position of glory if we live our lives to Jesus Christ.
God restores us when we give ourselves to Him. He establishes us when we willingly say, “Here I
am Lord...use me.” God strengthens us when we come to Him and ask Him for His care. God
supports us when we face our enemies or problems.
Peter tells us here that we will suffer a little, which is a drag...but that’s what is cool about God; He
never lies or tells us that life will be smooth sailing. You may suffer through physical problems or
mental issues or emotional dark times, but stand firm because true glory is still coming. But when?
True glory comes when we live by faith. Don’t bail out on God when the tough times come. Live by
faith. Don’t stop walking with God because you can’t feel Him with you. Live by faith. Don’t stop
praying because it doesn’t seem like He’s hearing you. Live by faith. Living by faith will bring true
glory...now...and later!
Pass or Shoot
1. In the space below, list a few tough things you are currently dealing with.
2. Take some time and pray for restoration, establishment, strength, and support during these
tough times.
3. How does your distance from God feel now? Keep on praying in faith.
Substitution
"Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally
restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little." -1 Peter 5:10
The Final Whistle
Lord, I want to be a person who lives by faith. Thank You for restoring, establishing, strengthening,
and supporting me. I commit this day to You. Amen.