As Nick Saban turned 67, every reporter has begun asking him about retirement and who would take over for him. As the successful football coach entered his 13th season at Alabama, he signed another No. 1 recruiting class. “I really enjoy what I’m doing, I really do. I love the players. I love the relationships you have with players. I like being part of a team. I keep looking at the next challenges, and to me, those challenges come each year in trying to rebuild our team.” When the time comes for Alabama to make its move on who follows the six-time national champion, it’ll mark one of the biggest coaches’ searches in modern history. Who will succeed Nick Saban, and will they be as successful?

Success Based Upon Skill and Insight –  1 Kings 2

While Nick Saban is anything but frail, David had become increasingly weak in his old age, and a crisis developed over succession to the throne. Leadership succession is fragile and complex. The Book of 1 Kings begins where 2 Samuel left off with the leadership transition from David’s kingship to that of his son Solomon. His rise to power was complicated by his older brother, who thought he was the rightful heir to the throne. Solomon killed him to keep the peace and establish his authority as king. These chapters record how Solomon succeeded David and the principles upon which the Davidic dynasty would flourish or flounder.

One lesson from Solomon’s life is that a job or position might be a gift from God, but it is maintained only by spiritual obedience and practical wisdom. Solomon had success that was based on skill and insight. His prosperity was a by-product of a life of obedience, a recurring theme in the chapters that follow. Each king’s prosperity and kingdom were linked inseparably to that king’s faithfulness to the Lord.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete maintain a heart of faithfulness and a life of obedience. They know this is the central battle of life and leadership. They follow Solomon’s advice: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Journal Entry

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to highlight, explain, apply, and respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

H – Highlight

E – Explain

A – Apply

R – Respond

Bible Memory Verse

This blog includes a Scripture memory verse. There are many methods for memorizing the Bible, but I have found that using a pack of index or blank business cards works best for me. If you write the verse on a card, you can pull it out during the day and meditate or recite it.

2 Samuel 22:33 – God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on God Looks at Man’s Heart