What is that handshake thing?

When NBA star Jeremy Lin was asked about that thing he does with teammate Landry Fields prior to each game, he sets the record straight.

"We do a handshake, put on some glasses, he (Landry) opens the Bible, we read a passage together, put our glasses away and point toward the sky to remind ourselves that we're playing for God."

Is this the NBA version of "Tebowing"?

Should Tebow tone it down?

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP) -- Denver Broncos quarterback and former University of Florida football star Tim Tebow has been getting a lot of advice lately about how much he should be talking about Jesus.

In November former Bronco quarterback Jake Plummer said about Tebow, "I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ then I think I'll like him a little better. I don't hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff ... like you know, I understand dude where you're coming from." In other words, Tim, tone it down.

Just before the turn of the millennium, another Christian quarterback, Kurt Warner, was the Cinderella story of the NFL. Never in the history of professional football had a player so rapidly ascended from unknown to Super Bowl champ and MVP. When the lights were shining the brightest and the platform was the largest, Warner seized the opportunity to boldly proclaim his faith in Jesus Christ to millions.

For a decade, through ups and downs, Warner was consistent in his bold public witness. During the postgame celebration of the 2009 NFC Championship, a game in which Warner led the Arizona Cardinals to victory, Warner declared before millions watching on TV, "Everyone's gonna get tired of hearing it, but I never get tired of saying it. There's one reason why I'm standing up on this stage today…that's because of my Lord up above. I gotta say thanks to Jesus. You knew I was gonna do it; I gotta do it."

So one would think that if anyone is excited about Tebow's bold witness, it would be Warner, right? Well, not necessarily. Not long after Plummer's comments, Warner weighed in on the issue with the Arizona Central's Dan Bickley: "Put down the boldness in regards to the words, and keep living the way you're living. Let your teammates do the talking for you. Let them cheer on your testimony." Again ... tone it down, Tim.

Read more of this article on Baptist Press.

Why the heck do we hate Tim Tebow?

NOTE: This article is about a month old, but I just read it today and wanted to share it with you.  Feel free to share your thoughts by clicking "comments" below.

By Jen Floyd Engel

What if Tim Tebow were a Muslim?

Imagine for a second, the Denver Broncos quarterback is a devout follower of Islam, sincere and principled in his beliefs and thus bowed toward Mecca to celebrate touchdowns. Now imagine if Detroit Lions players Stephen Tulloch and Tony Scheffler mockingly bowed toward Mecca, too, after tackling him for a loss or scoring a touchdown, just like what happened Sunday.

I know what would happen. All hell would break loose.

Stinging indictments issued by sports columnists. At least a few outraged religious leaders chiming in on his behalf. Depending on what else had happened that day, they might have a chance at becoming Keith Olbermann's Worst Person In The World.

And there would be apologies. Oh, Lord, would there be apologies — by players, by coaches, possibly by ownership with a tiny chance of a statement from NFL commish Roger Goodell.

You cannot mock Muslim faith, not in this country, not anywhere really.

It is primarily a respect issue, because religion is sacred and should be off limits. Yet when Tulloch and Scheffler dropped to a knee to mock how Tebow prays — an action known as “Tebowing” that has gone viral among the public, too — we yawned and told Christians to lighten up. We blamed Tebow for making a show of honoring God rather than himself in moments of joy. We excused them because Tulloch said he was mocking "Tebowing," not God.

Because ridiculing a man who chooses to honor God is so much better, right?

Read more of this story and take a poll on FOX Sports.

Tebow's Jesus Jersey Causing A Stir

Fans of Denver Broncos' quarterback Tim Tebow have created custom jerseys that feature the name 'Jesus' displayed above Tebow's number, according to KTVQ.

While some say the shirts are simply a way to honor the proudly Christian player, others are speaking out against the divine comparison.

"It's making Tebow out to be a god instead of an athlete," one person told a Christian media outlet. "I'm happy he's a Christian and isn't afraid to demonstrate that, but for fans to hold him up in such high regard, perhaps comparing him to Jesus, is going too far."

But in a recent post on Cafe Mom's "The Stir," blogger Jacqueline Burtargues that the shirts are harmless:

    "I know Tim Tebow fans are loyal with a capital ... who am I kidding, they're LOYAL in all caps. So I guess if you're a true Tebow supporter, altering the jersey of the NFL quarterback for the Broncos to read "Jesus" instead of "Tebow," wouldn't seem over-the-top. Particularly since the QB is so emphatically Christian..."

Read more of this story on Church Report.

NASCAR Prayer

This prayer was offered by Pastor Joe Nelms at the NASCAR Nationwide series race in Nashville, TN on July 23, 2011.  Nelms is pastor of Family Baptist Church in Lebanon, TN.  The prayer has generated a wide-range of opinions on various web sites.  What do you think about the content of the prayer?

NASCAR fans get FindItHere.com intro

SOUTH BOSTON, Va. (BP)--Beyond the celebration on the track when Lee Pulliam won the FindItHere.com NASCAR Whelen Late Model 200, there was rejoicing in heaven when three teenage girls were led to Christ that same night.

The SBC of Virginia (SBCV) sponsored the Friday night, July 1, race at South Boston Speedway, with the North American Mission Board defraying some of the sponsorship cost. The speedway's annual Fourth of July holiday weekend is a fan favorite and actually features three races (Pure Stock 50, Limited 100, Whelen Late Model 200) and fireworks afterward.

It was more than a one-time outreach, but part of a vision for churches to share Christ with thousands of race fans and continue the "God's Plan for Sharing" (GPS) statewide evangelistic effort begun in 2010.

Read more on Baptist Press.

Trevor Bayne, in spotlight after Daytona win, voices his goal

Posted on Feb 28, 2011 | by Tim Ellsworth

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Trevor Bayne's stunning win in the Daytona 500 propelled him immediately onto the national stage, where for the past week he has continued talking about the faithfulness of God in his life.

"The goal, this is going to sound weird, but it's not to be the best racecar driver, the most marketable, the most popular," Bayne said in a teleconference two days after his Feb. 20 Daytona win. "But it's to build a platform and let God use us on the platform that He's building, which might require me to become the best racecar driver or be the most marketable or most popular, whatever it is.

"I just want to stand on the platform He's putting under me," Bayne continued. "... If that's our goal, our highs and lows are going to be a lot more manageable."

The 20-year-old Bayne wrote his name in the record books by becoming the youngest driver ever to win the Daytona 500. The race was only Bayne's second Sprint Cup competition. However, he couldn't duplicate his Daytona success in the first race after his victory, crashing on the 50th lap of the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway Feb. 27 and finishing 40th overall.

Read more of this story on Baptist Press.

Game Day

A backyard football game, complete with sports announcer, provides a comical look at the in-state football rivalry between the Florida State Seminoles and the Florida Gators. The video relates the game to the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 in the Bible.

Disclaimer: I James Croft, am a Florida State Seminole fan and I wanted the video to reflect a win by the 'Noles, but the four young ladies out voted me. Yes, they are Gator Fans. Oh, well, the Biblical message is still the same.



View all of our videos on YouTube.

Football Trick Play

Here's a football "trick play" I think fans will enjoy.  I do love this sport!

Interview On WEAG Radio

A classic high school football rivalry added another chapter last night as the Baker County Wildcats hosted the Bradford County Tornadoes in Macclenny, Florida.  I enjoyed watching the game, watching two of my nieces dance with the BCHS Rhythmettes, and meeting up with some old friends from Bradford County.

My good friend Terry Vaughan (pictured with me) called the game for WEAG 106.3 FM in Starke, Florida and invited me to join him for a half-time interview.  We reminisced about my days in Bradford County working with New River Solid Waste Association and Keep Tri-counties Beautiful and, of course, talked some Wildcats - Tornadoes football.  He also asked about my current ministry activities and I shared my hope of expanding the JCEA JOY Box ministry into Bradford County.

I first met Terry when he worked full-time for WEAG.  He now serves as Bradford County Supervisor of Elections.  He is a great friend and I appreciate him giving me the opportunity to share with WEAG listeners.  I would also like to congratulate him for 25 years of broadcast excellence in calling Bradford County's games on WEAG.

By the way, Baker County defeated Bradford County 14-0 to remain undefeated (3-0).  The Tornadoes are 2-1 on the season.  This Wildcat win also means I receive a free lunch from Terry and Bradford County Solid Waste Director Donny Wise.  8-)

Tebow: Football, NFL not source of true success

CUMMING, Ga. (BP)--With dozens of kids toting Florida Gator signable footballs or miniature orange football helmets, or decked out in blue jerseys with "15" on the back -- and grown-ups wearing their game-day Gator shirts -- it could have been October in Gainesville, Fla.

Instead, the site was First Redeemer Church, a sprawling, 4,000-member SBC church in Cumming, Ga., right in the middle of Georgia Bulldog and Georgia Tech country. The draw was Tim Tebow.

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound former University of Florida Gator, Heisman Trophy winner and new Denver Bronco quarterback spoke to 4,800 in two packed worship services and at a breakfast on Sunday, July 4 as part of the church's annual "God and Country Day."

Read more of this article on Baptist Press.

Help With A Home Run

NOTE: A video about the story in this devotion is below, it will bring tears of joy to your eyes.

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: 1 Peter 4:7-11

 

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. —1 Peter 4:10

Sara Tucholsky, a softball player for Western Oregon University, hit the first home run of her life in a game against Central Washington. But she nearly didn’t get credit for it. As she rounded first base in excitement, she missed it! When she wheeled back to correct her mistake, she injured her knee. Crying, she crawled back to the base. By rule, she had to touch all four bases on her own for the home run to count. Her teammates could not assist her in any way.

Then Mallory Holtman, the first baseman for the opposing team, spoke up. “Would it be okay if we carried her around?” After conferring, the umpires agreed. So Mallory and another teammate made a chair of their hands and carted Sara around the bases. By the time they were through carrying her, many were crying at this selfless act of compassion, and Sara was awarded her home run.

The lesson for followers of Christ is clear. When fellow Christians stumble and fall, we need to follow the example of these ballplayers. Reach out. Lift them up and carry them along. It’s a wonderful opportunity to “minister . . . to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).  — David C. Egner



When a fellow Christian stumbles
And he needs some help to stand;
Don’t ignore his circumstances—
Offer him your outstretched hand. —Sper

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. —Charles Dickens

I Am Second - Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford

Share your thoughts about this video by clicking "comments" below.

Amazing Billiard Shot

The audio is in French, but you'll enjoy this amazing billiard shot utilizing dominoes.

Gator Superstar Gets God on Google

[01.15.09] University of Florida (UF) star quarterback Tim Tebow not only guided his Gators to a national championship last Thursday evening, but also caused “John 3:16” to reach the “volcanic” reading on Google Trends, making it the No. 1 ranked search term on Google worldwide.

Skyrocketing past Obama, Oprah, deceased gangster John Gotti and other Top 100 trendy pop culture searches, the Bible verse about God’s love written in the two bars of eye black on Tebow’s face, took the top spot across the globe.

Read more of this story online at Charisma.

Stretching The Finish Line

Olympic Athletes: Faith More Important than Gold Medals

It takes years of sweat, pain and determination to qualify for the Olympics, but some of the world’s top athletes heading to Beijing want the world to know there is something more important than winning gold medals – a relationship with God.

Allyson Felix, three-time U.S. Outdoor 200m champion and 2004 Olympic silver medalist; Brian Clay, 2004 Olympic decathlon silver medalist; and Ryan Hall, 2008 Olympic marathon runner, are just some of the Olympians competing in the 2008 Beijing Games that are sharing the importance of their Christian faith with fans.

Through the Web Site BeyondTheUltimate.org, sponsored by the ministry Athletes in Action, these elite sportspersons share their personal stories about their ultimate goal in life.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Run The Race

An elementary school "track and field day" is the inspiration and backdrop for this video called "Run The Race".

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV): Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? For more information visit Do You Know?



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Return On Investment

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit. —1 Corinthians 6:20

Long before the US professional baseball season begins each spring, team owners and managers are busy negotiating trades and contracts. They'll pay large sums of money to get the athlete who will help them win the championship. When the season starts, all eyes are on the newly acquired talent to see if he was worth the cost. The ultimate measure of the player's success is whether his contribution to the team is a good return on the investment.

In 1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul reminds us that we too have been "bought at a price." The context paints a compelling picture of Christ's great sacrifice. He liberated us from the cruel slavemaster of sin by buying us with the high price of His own life.

Getting a grip on God's great and loving investment in us should motivate us to gladly consider making His sacrifice rich in dividends. How is that return on His investment measured? By living to bring glory to Him! Our eyes, hands, feet, thoughts, dreams, and desires have been purchased to reflect the wondrous glory of God's will and wisdom. In other words, we are no longer our own.

Paul concluded, "Therefore glorify God in your body" (v.20). Living to reflect His glory is the return on investment that makes the Owner of our lives look good! — Joe Stowell

Redemption's price our Savior paid
When all our sins on Him were laid;
He took our guilt, He bore our shame
That we may glorify His name. —D. De Haan

Our choice to bring glory to God yields a great return on Christ's investment.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > Jesus Christ > Death/Cross
Christian Life > Character > Decisions/Choices

NFL Allows Churches to Host Super Bowl Parties

Churches can now show the Super Bowl on big screens, the National Football League said this week.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter dated Tuesday the league would not object to "live showings – regardless of screen size – of the Super Bowl" by religious organizations, according to The Washington Post.

The letter was address to Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah).

Controversy arose when the NFL gave warning last year to an Indianapolis church not to hold a Super Bowl viewing party. Fall Creek Baptist Church had planned a gathering at church for about 100 young adults to watch the Super Bowl on a big screen and was going to charge admission to cover snack costs. It also promoted its Super Bowl party on the church Web site.

While the NFL allows churches to screen the big game, the Indianapolis church had violated the league's policy and copyright law which bans mass out-home viewing except at sports bars and other businesses that televise sports as part of their everyday operations, prohibits charging admission to watch the game, and restricts the TV screen to 55 inches.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.