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.

Carry the Worm!

 

🐜“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” – Proverbs 6:6–8

“Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.” – Proverbs 30:25

Ants are mentioned in the Bible twice, both times in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 6: 7-8 and Proverbs 30: 25). Ants don’t wait for a supervisor—they work together, prepare ahead, and carry loads no single ant could manage alone. In the devotional “Finding Wisdom in the Proverbs,” author Ray Pritchard shares a real-world example: one summer day, he saw an army of ants carrying an earthworm. No single ant could carry it alone, but together they accomplished the task. Their teamwork and preparation were key. Solomon, a King in the Bible and believed to the be the writer of the Book of Proverbs, points out that ants have no supervisor or manager, yet they work diligently and prepare for the future. Despite their small size and limited strength, they store enough food to survive the winter.

As sports officials, we carry individual responsibilities such as studying rules and video, staying physically fit, and caring for our families.  But we also function as part of a crew. Like ants, we shouldn’t wait for someone to prompt us on what to do. We must be proactive and look for ways to support the crew. Don’t wait to be given an assignment. Take initiative. Anticipate needs. Act in advance. Offer to lead pregame topic, pull video on play situations, or quiz the crew on rules.

Just as the ants carried the earthworm, the best officiating crews are carried by each member working together. In a crew of officials, no single official can officiate the game alone as effectively as the full crew. The lesson is clear: we are weaker individually and stronger united. 

“Carry the Worm!”

Reflect

•            What responsibilities do I have on my crew? Am I handling them well?

•            Am I taking initiative or waiting to be told?

•            How can I help my crew prepare better? Is there a role that I can lead?

Pray

•            Lord, help me be diligent like the ant.

•            Give me wisdom and courage to act.

•            Unite our crew in strength and purpose.

Ambassador

An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat to represent a nation. The ambassador lives in a foreign land but is not a citizen of that foreign land.  Instead, his/her purpose in living in the foreign country is to represent his home nation and advance its interests in the foreign country. Ambassadors are the face of the country they represent.

The responsibilities of an ambassador are many and challenging. They must positively represent their home country, be a good negotiator, and be comfortable in difficult situations. If they are rude and unpleasant, they make a negative impression on the country they represent.  An ambassador must not be concerned about personal desires or views but faithfully represent the person or country that sent them. Being chosen as an ambassador is a significant mark of trust and integrity.

Officials can also be viewed as ambassadors of the game in which they officiate. Much like ambassadors who represent a country, officials have challenging jobs, must positively represent the game, handle difficult situations in a calm manner, and communicate effectively with crewmates, coaches, players, and administrators. Officials should not be concerned with self, but with what is right for the game and benefits the crew.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

God calls His believers to be His ambassadors on earth by serving others, loving others, and teaching others. Christ followers are ambassadors by daily bringing God the glory, and not self.

      --Foreign ambassadors uphold the country’s interest they represent.

     --Christian ambassadors serve, love, and teach God’s plans and purpose.

     --Officials are ambassadors by being great representatives of the game, not self.

To be a great ambassador as an Official means to faithfully represent your sport every day, have passion for the work, seek the well-being of all involved, communicate effectively, and have pride in what you do!

 https://www.todayintheword.org/daily-devotional/unwrapped/called-to-be-ambassadors/

 https://todaydevotional.com/devotions/ambassadors-1

 https://www.touchinglives.org/devotionals/ambassadors

 https://maglife.org/be-a-faithful-ambassador/