Purpose

A great spectacle of sport, March Madness reaches its pinnacle tonight. Millions will be watching tonight. If you happen to be one of those millions, I challenge you to look beyond the hype, maybe even your pool, and great competition. Spend time reflecting on the heart of James Naismith who invented the game of basketball to reach young people for Jesus Christ.

Interesting how far we can stray from our roots or our intended purposes. Does the game fulfill its original purpose of evangelism? Scripture tells us "where there is no vision people perish." James Naismith had vision for sport so that none would perish but have eternal life through Jesus and basketball. How about our teams, the sport we are involved in, do we have vision for the souls of the Coaches, athletes, parents and communities we influence?

Do we as leaders fulfill our eternal purpose? "Is 43:7 everyone who is called by my name,whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Eph 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

What are the eternal contributions God is calling each of us to? Maybe it starts in our home first. I celebrate God showing me new vision for my wife and family. Maybe we need to secure the service in our home first before we move on to our teams?

Whether at home or in the community, God has work for us to do. A good friend of mine, Ray Book, had a vision two years for his co-workers & beyond so he started a men's Bible study/discipleship group every Monday afternoon which is now attended by almost ten men at Ray's office. It is amazing to hear the men share how God has changed there lives through the vision of one man and the simplicity of coming together and sharing life. Ask God what His vision is for your family, your business or your team followed by listening and obeying.

Jack Lovelace, Vice President from Nations of Coaches, will be with us at the 3rd annual Coaches Conference in Lewes DE 4/15-4/17. Nations of Coaches is a basketball ministry that exists to fulfill the Great Commission, disciple Coaches, strengthen marriages and identify character Coaches for college teams. NOC is a ministry of depth determined to return basketball back to the original vision of James Naismith. We look forward to being encouraged by Jack and what God is doing through their ministry.

Make it a great night!
Coach C