One of the qualities of a great coach is the ability to make a decision and to live with it. Coach Joe Kennedy was a high school football coach at Bremerton High School in Washington State before he was suspended for praying. Kennedy began his prayer tradition of kneeling on the 50-yard line at the end of football games in 2008 and was fired in 2015. Though he didn’t require his players to join him, he waited until everyone was off the field to pray silently, and his teammates often joined him. He never encouraged or even invited players to join him in prayer, but those who did—did so voluntarily.

Joe Kennedy decided to stand firm and fight for his right to pray. Several briefs were filed on his behalf, including ones from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 12 attorneys general, legendary football coach Bobby Bowden, and 15 members of Congress.

1 Corinthians 16 – Firm Faith

Paul wraps up his epistle to the Corinthians by encouraging them to stand firm in their faith with love for the Lord and hope for His coming (16:13-24). Standing firm in today’s chaotic world is difficult. While you might never be fired for praying and appeal it to the Supreme Court, you will, however, must stand firm on other decisions you make as a coach. Standing firm will be a challenge for many Christian coaches. Whether it’s Satan’s assaults on your faith or society’s bent toward ungodliness, this is the time to stand strong.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete view themselves as disciples of Christ following the marching orders by the Apostle Paul, “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Cor. 16:13-14). They remain alert to what is happening around them and use discernment when making decisions.

Bible Memory Verse – “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: No Pain, No Gain.

Our featured book this week is: Ruth (The Redeemed Coach) – A Bible study for coaches who want to understand how God moves us from heartbreak to healing. Written by Chrystal Cowan and Ryan Limbaugh.

 Click HERE to review.

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