When to Give Thanks!

Scripture Reference:

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Devotional Thought:

Belief in God’s divine guidance enables us to be thankful when things go well and patient when things go against us. Paul’s words remind us that God’s will is for us to be thankful not just for the good, but in every circumstance. Notice that Paul doesn’t say to be thankful for all circumstances, but in all circumstances. When life is difficult, God calls us to be grateful for His sustaining presence and help.

It’s easy to overlook gratitude when things are going well. Human nature can cause us to forget the daily gifts God provides. Today, make it a point to notice the blessings around you: what you see, what you have, and who is with you. Observe the color, beauty, and variety in your life.

As officials, thankfulness takes on unique meaning.

• Thankful for Opportunity: We have the privilege to participate in a game we love, to be part of the action, and to contribute to fair play.
• Thankful for Support: Appreciate the encouragement from your family and fellow officials, who understand the challenges and joys of officiating.
• Thankful for Growth: Each game, whether easy or difficult, is a chance to learn, grow in patience, and develop character.
• Thankful for Influence: We have the opportunity to impact athletes, coaches, fans, and fellow officials by modeling integrity, respect, and calm under pressure.
• Thankful in Challenges: Even when faced with criticism or tough calls, we can be grateful for God’s strength to endure and the lessons learned through adversity.

Application:

• Practice the gift of noticing.
• Make a list of the blessings you observe today.
• Be thankful for opportunities, support from family and colleagues, and the chance to impact others.
• In both good times and tough times, choose gratitude and patience.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to give thanks in all circumstances. Open my eyes to the blessings around me, and grant me patience when things are difficult. Thank you for your constant presence and for the opportunities to serve and touch the lives of others. As an official, help me to be grateful for every moment, every challenge, and every opportunity to make a difference. Amen.

How to Be (Blessed)

The beatitudes are spiritual teachings Jesus gave during his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12) and can be understood as blessings for those who live according to His message. There are eight beatitudes that describe qualities of character: "humility," "truthfulness," "meek/restraint,” “dedication to fairness," “empathy,” “integrity,” “peacemakers,” and "resilience to criticism."

 

• "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3):
• Officials' quality: Humility and self-awareness. A good official understands they are not perfect and need support and training to improve. They are part of a team of officials, not an individual, and operate under the league's authority and guidelines.
• "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4):
• Officials' quality: Acknowledging mistakes. Officials are human and make errors; The ability to acknowledge a mistake, correct it if possible, and move on is a key aspect of resilience in officiating.
• "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5):
• Officials' quality: Composure under pressure and restraint. Officials demonstrate meekness by not reacting to verbal abuse from fans, players, or coaches. They enforce rules with quiet authority rather than an overbearing or arrogant attitude, allowing the game to proceed with minimal disruption.
• "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6):
• Officials' quality: A dedication to fairness and correct application of the rules. Officials have a strong desire to make the correct, fair call, ensuring justice is served on the field according to the established guidelines. They are neutral and show no prejudice towards either team.
• "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7):
• Officials' quality: Empathy and appropriate judgment. While enforcing rules strictly, an official must also exercise discretion and "people skills" when dealing with players and coaches. They may issue warnings when appropriate, demonstrating an understanding of context and human emotion.
• "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8):
• Officials' quality: Integrity and lack of bias. Purity of heart in officiating translates to impartiality and an honest approach to every decision. Officials must be driven by an commitment to the rules, not personal gain or team preference.
• "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9):
• Officials' quality: Conflict resolution and maintaining order. Officials act as mediators in a contentious environment, working to de-escalate conflicts and ensure the game flows smoothly and safely.
• "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10) and “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5:11)
• Officials' quality: Resilience to criticism. Officials often face intense criticism and are frequently "persecuted" by fans and media for their decisions, even when they are correct. The Beatitude offers the perspective that doing the right thing, despite public backlash, is a worthy endeavor.

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Stay Sharp

Scripture Focus:

"For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart."
— Hebrews 4:12

Devotional Thought

As officials, our role is crucial. Just as athletes must make crisp, sharp movements and decisions to succeed, officials must be sharp in their decisions and actions. A moment of sloppiness—a missed call, a lapse in focus—can change the outcome of a game and affect everyone involved.

The Bible teaches us that God’s Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword.” It is our guide for living with integrity, focus, and wisdom. Just as we train to be physically and mentally sharp for each game, we are called to be spiritually sharp by letting God’s Word shape your character and decisions.

Reflection

• Stay Sharp in Your Judgment:
  Before each game, pray for wisdom and clarity. Let God’s Word remind you to be fair, honest, and attentive on every play and situation.
• Be Consistent and Focused:
  Don’t let fatigue or distraction lead to sloppy officiating. Stay alert, focused, and disciplined, knowing that our actions reflect not only on you but also the integrity of the game.
• Apply God’s Word to Your Role:
  Use Scripture as your foundation for making tough decisions. Let it guide your responses to players, coaches, and fans, especially in moments of pressure. For example, in Psalm 32:8, God promises to guide and counsel us—“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Practical Application

• Begin each game day with a brief devotion and prayer, asking God for discernment and strength.
• Memorize key verses like Hebrews 4:12 to remind yourself of the importance of staying sharp.

Closing Reflection

Officials must be sharp to ensure a fair and successful game. Let’s commit to staying focused, disciplined, and rooted in Scripture—on and off the field.

Prayer:
Lord, as I step onto the field, help me to be sharp in my judgment and fair in my decisions. Let Your Word guide my actions and keep me focused, so I may honor You in my role as an official. Amen.

Steadfast

 Scripture

“My heart is steadfast, O God. I will sing and make music with all my soul.” (Psalm 108:1)

Reflection

There’s an ancient saying:
“Thou shalt stand immovable in joy and sorrow like the bones of the dead.”
To be immovable is to be firmly rooted—steady and consistent, not easily pushed off course. This is especially challenging when life brings hardship, not just when things are going well.

To be steadfast, you are firm, unwavering and loyal often in the face of opposition or challenge. The biblical idea of steadfastness is no different--unwavering, firm, and resolute. David, in Psalm 108:1, declares his heart is steadfast, choosing to praise God regardless of circumstances.

Application

Steadfastness is a daily decision. In our spiritual lives and in our work (such as officiating), we are called to be unwavering. Consider these areas:

• Rules and Video Study: Be consistent, even when it’s difficult and time consuming.
• Crew Commitment: Show up and be present for your crew, every time.
• Communication: Speak truthfully and clearly, building trust.
• Stress: Face challenges with courage, not fear.
• Evaluations: Care about growth and feedback, not just results.
• Interactions: Be trustworthy with everyone--coaches, players, administrators.
• Decision-making: Stay humble in success, steady in mistakes.

Some days you’ll succeed; other days, you’ll face defeat. In both, dust yourself off, ask for God’s grace, and recommit to being steadfast.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be steadfast in heart and action. Grant me grace to stand firm in joy and sorrow, and to reflect Your unwavering love in all I do. Amen.

Other Scriptures on being Steadfast:

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

James 1:4: “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Go Before Us

 Scripture:

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”
— Proverbs 16:9

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Reflection

We all make plans—for our families, our work, and even our roles as officials. Often, things go as we expect. But sometimes, circumstances change: a job situation shifts, a loved one gets sick, or we face challenges in our officiating, like injuries or mistakes.

When life doesn’t go as planned, it’s natural to wonder: Did God make a mistake? What is He trying to teach us?

The truth is in every circumstance—good or bad—God’s sovereign hand is at work in our lives. He uses all things for our ultimate benefit and His glory. As believers in Jesus Christ, this is the foundation we stand on.

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Key Thought

When facing challenges, remember the prevenient grace of God—“the grace that goes before us.” We often think of God’s presence as walking with us, but He’s also already gone ahead, preparing the way.

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Application

• In officiating, as in life, we experience both successes and failures. Good decisions build our confidence, but mistakes can help us grow and mature—if we respond with faith.
• How do you respond to setbacks? Do you let them set you back, or do you allow God to use them for growth?
• Trust that God is not only with you now, but has already gone before you, preparing the road ahead.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for going before me. Help me trust Your sovereign hand in every circumstance—good or bad. Give me confidence not just in my successes, but also in my failures, knowing You use all things for my growth and Your glory. Amen.

Prudence—Wisdom for Every Step

Scripture Focus

"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."
— Proverbs 27:12 (NIV)

Reflection

Prudence is the virtue of practical wisdom. It means acting with caution, good judgment, and self-control—making wise decisions and avoiding unnecessary risks by considering the long-term consequences of our actions. Prudence is not just about avoiding trouble; it’s about living with foresight, discretion, and intelligence, so our actions are timely, appropriate, and beneficial.

Consider the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. David faced the giant, but before the battle, he picked up five stones, though he only needed one to defeat Goliath. Why five? Some say David was preparing for Goliath’s brothers, but another perspective is that David was being prudent. He didn’t know how many stones it would take, so he prepared for every possibility. David’s actions show wisdom, good judgment, and foresight—the marks of a prudent person.

Application

As sports officials, we are called to work each play with wisdom and self-control. The average college football game has approximately 160 plays.  Our goal is to approach each one with prudence. The decision-making occurs quickly, having the foresight, discretion, and intelligence to make the decisions is crucial to long-term success. Off the field, prudence means being conscious of our actions, words, and attitudes. Are we taking unnecessary risks? Are we considering the long-term consequences of what we say and do? Are we aware of who we are speaking to, and how we represent ourselves and our crew?

Prayer

Lord, grant me the virtue of prudence. Help me to act with wisdom, good judgment, and self-control in every situation. May I learn from David’s example, preparing for what lies ahead and trusting You with the outcome. Guide my words and actions so that they honor You and reflect Your wisdom. Amen.

Challenge

This week, reflect on your decisions—big and small. Ask yourself: Am I acting with prudence? Am I considering the long-term impact of my choices? Seek God’s wisdom in every step, and let prudence guide you.

Emotions Under Control

 

Scripture

• Proverbs 14:17 – “A quick tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.”
• Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.”

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Reflection

The Bible offers many examples of individuals who struggled with self-control, but perhaps none more dramatically than Samson. Samson was uniquely blessed by God with superhuman strength, a gift he used to fight the Philistines and lead Israel for twenty years. Yet, despite his victories and his calling, Samson’s life was marked by a persistent struggle with his emotions—particularly lust and anger. His story is a vivid illustration of how unchecked emotions can lead even the strongest among us into trouble. Samson’s journey was a roller coaster of highs and lows. At times, he was devoted to worshiping God, but at other moments, he was distracted by his desires, especially his attraction to Philistine women. The most famous episode in Samson’s life involved Delilah, who tricked him into revealing the secret of his strength—his long, uncut hair. When Delilah cut his hair, Samson lost his strength, was captured, imprisoned, and ultimately met his death. Despite many great victories, Samson’s inability to master his emotions led to repeated failures and ultimately his downfall.

 

The lessons from Samson’s life are especially relevant for those in high-pressure roles, such as sports officials. In these environments, controlling our emotions is one of the most important characteristics we can develop. The way we react to our crewmates, coaches, players, and even the emotions of fans can determine how well we perform and how we are perceived. A lack of self-control can manifest in poor body language, a harsh or anxious tone of voice, and nervous communication within a crew. Conversely, self-control is demonstrated through calmness and strength, both in our body language and in our interactions.

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Application

Proverbs offers practical wisdom for cultivating self-control. Proverbs 14:17 warns that “a quick tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated,” while Proverbs 16:32 teaches, “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” These verses remind us that true strength is found not in physical power or outward achievement, but in the ability to control our temper and practice patience. Samson’s story, paired with the wisdom of Proverbs, challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we ruled by our emotions, or do we rule over them? By seeking God’s help and applying biblical wisdom, we can grow in self-control, respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively, and reflect the calm strength that honors God and blesses those around us.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach me to respond with calmness and clarity, even when I am challenged or provoked. Let my words and actions reflect the goodness You have placed within my heart. Help me to be patient with others and with myself, trusting that Your Spirit can empower me to overcome anger, anxiety, and temptation. May I honor You by ruling over my emotions, rather than letting them rule over me.

Courage

 

Scripture:
“The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”— Proverbs 28:1

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”— 2 Timothy 1:7

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Reflection:
The 1980 U.S. Men’s Hockey Team’s victory over the Russians is a legendary example of courage in sports. But courage isn’t just for athletes on the world stage—it’s essential for sports officials, too.

As officials, we encounter situations that require us to be brave, steadfast, and optimistic, even when it’s difficult. Here are four qualities of courage, adapted from Ray Pritchard’s “Finding Wisdom in Proverbs”:

• Bravery in the face of danger: “I won’t be afraid.”
  For officials, danger may not always be physical, but it can mean stepping in when something isn’t right, making the tough call, or standing alone when necessary.
• Steadfastness in the face of opposition: “I won’t give up.”
  Officials often face criticism, especially after a controversial call. The real test of courage is how we respond—do we prepare, strive to improve, and support our crew, or do mistakes define us?
• Action in the face of resistance: “I won’t be intimidated.”
  When coaches or players are upset, do we communicate with confidence and clarity? Courage means maintaining composure and authority, even under pressure.
• Optimism in the face of despair: “I won’t lose heart.”
  Tough games and tough seasons happen. Courage is choosing to respond with hope and determination, both individually and as a crew.

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Application:

• Think about a recent game or situation where you needed courage. How did you respond?
• Which of the four qualities of courage is most challenging? How can you grow in that area?
• Remember, your courage can inspire your crew, earn respect from coaches and players, and uphold the spirit of the game.

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Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the calling to serve as an official. Give me courage to make the right calls, to stand firm in the face of opposition, and to lead with integrity. Help me to remember that You have given me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. May my actions reflect Your strength and courage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Power of Diligence

Scripture:

“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” — Proverbs 10:4

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Devotional Message:
Diligence is more than just hard work—it’s a mindset of care, persistence, and conscientiousness in everything we do. Solomon reminds us in Proverbs 10:4 that diligence can “tip the scales” of life in our favor. This verse is a call to consistent effort, reminding us that success is often the result of steady, faithful work over time. For sports officials, this truth is especially relevant. We face challenges like missed calls, communication breakdowns, and crew conflicts. Yet, through steady effort and a commitment to improvement, we can overcome these obstacles.

History gives us powerful examples of diligence defeating doubt:

• Henry Ford was told his dream of mass-producing cars was impossible.
• The Wright brothers were mocked for believing they could fly.

They didn’t give up. Their diligence changed the world.

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Reflection/Application:
As officials, how can we embody diligence in our roles?

• Review game footage—both individually and with your crew.
• Study rules and mechanics persistently.
• Stay calm and communicate effectively during games.
• Step up and step in when situations feel off.
• Rest and recover after each game to stay sharp.

Success in officiating isn’t just about talent—it’s about how much we care. Our diligence reflects our commitment to excellence, both individually and as a crew.

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Prayer:
Lord, help me to be diligent in all I do. Give me the strength to persist through challenges and the wisdom to grow from every experience. May my efforts honor You and uplift those I work with. Amen.

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Closing Thought:
Diligence doesn’t guarantee perfection—but it does guarantee progress. Let your commitment to excellence speak louder than any doubt.

Be Offensive

Scripture

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
— Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)

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Reflection

Convictions are more than preferences—they are deeply held beliefs that guide our actions. Whether it's Head Coach deciding on a quarterback or an official deciding when to speak up when things don’t seem right, convictions move us toward purposeful decisions.

But what holds us back? Often, it’s fear—especially the fear of offending others. This fear can silence us when we should speak up. As Christians, we sometimes dilute our language or soften our stance to avoid discomfort. Yet, Proverb 29 reminds us that fear is a trap, but the trust in the Lord is our safety.

Ray Pritchard, in Finding Wisdom in the Proverbs, quotes William Arnot of the Scotland Arnott Bakehouse: “While knowledge of the truth is almost universal, the practice of what is right is rare.”

This is a call to action. Knowing the truth isn’t enough—we must act on it.

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Application

As officials, leaders, or believers, we are often faced with situations where we know what’s right but hesitate to act. In a football game, if a penalty is being enforced incorrectly, do we speak up or stay silent or hesitate to avoid conflict?

Being offensive doesn’t mean being rude—it means being bold and proactive in standing for truth. Trusting in God gives us the courage to act on our convictions, even when it’s uncomfortable.

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Prayer

Lord, help me to overcome the fear of man and trust in You.
Give me the courage to speak truth and act on my convictions.
Let me be bold in love, firm in faith, and offensive when expressing the truth calls for it.

Amen.