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KEITH MADISON'S DEVOTIONAL
August 4, 2010
Ask for Wisdom
Recently I spent an entire week with the founder of SCORE International, Ron Bishop. He started the ministry back in 1985 after a very successful career as a college basketball coach. Since Ron is a former coach, we speak the same language. I’m always motivated and encouraged after spending time with Ron. One of the things I always take away from my time with him is a little more wisdom. He can be very honest and very direct; but like any good coach, he almost always uses the “sandwich theory.” If he wants me to make an adjustment, he starts off with a positive statement, throws in some constructive criticism in the middle and then finishes with a positive. As a result, I always leave feeling better about myself while at the same time knowing exactly what I need to do to be more effective in my role with SCORE International.
We should always attempt to surround ourselves with people possessing wisdom. If you don’t have a person with wisdom in your life, find one. And, when you find that person make it a priority to hone your listening skills and soak in all that you can. Knowledge and education are important; I don’t want to minimize their significance, but we all have seen educated fools! Seek wisdom over all things and you will be blessed.
King David taught his son, Solomon, the importance of wisdom. You may recall the story given to us in Kings 3:5-12:
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said,
‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.’ Solomon answered, ‘You have shown great
kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous
and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him
a son to sit on his throne this very day. Now, O Lord my God, you have made your
servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know
how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen,
a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning
heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who
is able to govern this great people of yours?’ The Lord was pleased that Solomon
asked for this. So God said to him, ‘Since you asked for this and not for a long life
or wealth for yourself, nor have you asked for the death of your enemies but for
discernment in administering justice, I will do for you what you asked. I will give
to you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you,
nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both
riches and honor so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if
you walk in my ways and obey my commands as David your father did, I will give
you a long life.’
The foolish decisions I have made in my life are a direct result of not seeking wisdom from God and godly friends with discernment. It is amazing what we have access to and yet do not take advantage of. The gift of wisdom (James 1:5) is one of God’s great promises to us. Who would not want the wisdom of God?
June 24, 2010
Hall of Fame Tools
In baseball, professional scouts talk about "tools." Tools are gifts that players have been blessed with. The ultimate gifted player is considered a "Five Tool Player." This means that he can run, hit, hit with power, field and throw—all exceptionally well. A player doesn’t need all of these "tools" in order to make it to the major leagues, but if he possesses all five tools, practices and competes to win, he will not only make it to the majors, he will also have a chance to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame!
I am reminded of the "tools" the Apostle Paul informs us that we can all have as believers in Christ. Paul calls these tools the "Fruit of the Spirit." In Galatians 5:22, we learn that "the fruit of the Spirit" is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." I know very few people who take advantage of all the "Fruits" God has made available to us through His Spirit.
More often than not, I do not exude love or joy. I don’t always have peace and I am not normally a patient person. Sometimes, I’m not even kind to the people closest to me, much less strangers. I’m not always as faithful to God as I should be. But, I have improved my self-control since I am no longer coaching! The truth of the matter is: I could be excellent in all of these areas. I could be a "Nine Tool Player" for God!
As believers in Christ, we all have access to the "Fruit of the Spirit." As we pray each day, we can ask God to help us to be more loving, patient, kind and gentle, good and faithful, and, to have more self-control…then the joy will come. We can’t do this on our own, but God will help, if we only ask.
May 11, 2010
Disappointment
During the spring of 1972, I suffered one of the longest nights of my life. I had just been released from the Montreal Expos Baseball Club and was forced to take an early exit from spring training. That night, trying to sleep in my own bed in my parent’s house, I tossed and turned feeling the heartbreak, rejection and humiliation of being told that at age 20, I was damaged goods—no longer needed.
I loved baseball. I had dreamed all my life about pitching in the major leagues and making my family and my friends back home proud. Instead, I would be explaining to everyone who knew me why I didn’t "make it" to the Big Leagues.
Of course, hind sight is 20-20. Now, I can see that God had a better plan for my life: a wife, two sons, two grandsons, a 25-year career as a major college coach and a second career in sports ministry. But, during that long night over 30 years ago, I was heartbroken, my spirit was crushed and my confidence was shattered.
At 2:00 that morning, I finally left my bed feeling miserable and alone. I saw the guest bedroom light shining under the closed door; obviously, my mother was having a restless night as well and was up late reading. I felt compelled to knock on her door and complain to her how miserable I felt, but as soon as I opened the door, no words came out of my mouth—only tears escaped from my eyes. After a few minutes, I was able to speak and I said, "I have failed, I’m a nobody." I don’t remember a word she said, perhaps she didn’t say anything, but she was there. She understood. She shared my disappointment.
No matter where you are or what circumstance you face, you are not alone. No matter how painful the heartbreak or how deep the loss, there is Someone who will be there to give you strength, healing and comfort. His name is Jesus. In Psalm 34:18, David speaks this truth: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
April 1, 2010
Cathedrals and Locker Rooms
As a college baseball coach for so many years, I would spend many Good Fridays and Easter Sundays in hotel rooms, locker rooms and on baseball fields. Thousands of coaches and athletes will be doing the same this weekend.
Although many Easter Sundays were spent away from family and church because of competition, there were many meaningful chapels held in home and visiting locker rooms. Occasionally, we would even invite the visiting team and the families of both teams to join us for a special Easter morning celebration.
This morning, I was thinking of many different ways Christians around the world—including coaches and athletes---will celebrate Easter.
Millions will worship Christ this weekend and millions will be reminded of the darkest day in the history of the world (Good Friday and the most joyous day of all days (Easter Sunday). Some will worship in secret for fear of persecution; some will worship in cathedrals, country churches, hospitals and nursing homes, but all who worship Christ will worship the Son of God. We do not worship a dead prophet; we worship a risen Savior!
There aren’t an abundance of quotes by angels in Scripture. On the rare occasions God allowed angels to speak to men and women, profound statements were made…none more profound and amazing than this: "He is not here; He has risen!"
January 19, 2010
Competition and Composure
When I was a very small boy, my father would listen to the University of Kentucky basketball games on the radio. So, like many Kentucky boys growing up, I wanted to play basketball for the Wildcats. God had a good and different plan for me...
My baseball skills exceeded my hoop skills; and eventually, I became the head baseball coach in the athletic program that I loved. Even though I spent 25 years on the baseball field, I have remained a huge Wildcat basketball fan. Currently, "we" are the only undefeated team in the nation with three freshmen in the lineup!
One of our talented freshmen plays the game with passion and he is a powerful force on the court. He sometimes loses his temper; and, recently, he has been "baited" by older and more experienced players. They push and shove him and occasionally throw an elbow in his rib cage when the referees aren’t looking. Our big freshman center is trying to learn not to lose his temper and react to the strategic attacking of his weakness.
How do you react when people push the button that causes you to react or defend yourself with angry, caustic words and actions? I must admit, my pride sometimes causes me to lash out at things people say or may write about me. When the "rumor mill" finds its way to me, I want to emphatically set the record straight. How did Jesus respond to false charges? Isaiah prophesied how Jesus would react. "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open His mouth; He was led like a Lamb to the slaughter; and as a sheep before his shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)
As followers of Christ, we should strive to be more like Him…courageously knowing that "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
James gave us great counsel in his book of wisdom; "Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19)
Great advice for a freshman basketball player and great advice for me and you!
January 2010
Stay the Course
Many times in the world of business and athletics, we see "successful" people take short cuts, bend and even break rules on their way to profit or victory. But, aren’t the financial awards and victories achieved by cheating, abuse of power and selfish motives shallow and hollow in the end? What King David said in Psalm 37 is still true today.
1 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. 9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
My challenge and encouragement to you for 2010 and beyond is this…stay the course, fight the good fight and commit to pleasing God with your words, actions and deeds. Treat your co-workers, teammates, family and even the competition justly and fairly. Then, "God will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." (Psalm 37:6)
December 2009
The Gift of Compassion
Few of us would disagree that the Christmas season has become too commercial, too stressful and too long. But, perhaps, if we focus on the right gift we could eliminate the commercialism and the stress and keep the joy all year long.
To illustrate, we all need to look at a parable not usually associated with Christmas--the Parable of the Good Samaritan. We know that thieves robbed and beat a man on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho, leaving him naked and close to death. We also know that a priest and a Levite not only didn’t help this severely injured traveler but passed on the other side of the road to avoid him. But then came the Samaritan. The Samaritan "came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him." (Luke 10:33-34) The Samaritan even gave the innkeeper money to look after the injured man.
While discussing this parable in our Sunday school class recently, classmate Roy Lauter shared this: "The thief said, ‘What is yours is mine and I’m going to take it.’ The priest and the Levite said, ‘What is mine is mine and I’m going to keep it!’ The Samaritan said, ‘What is mine is yours and I’m going to give it.’"
Many of us may not be able to purchase expensive gifts for friends and family this Christmas, but we can all give the gift of compassion. Johnny Hunt once said, "You are never more like Christ than when you give."
November 2009
"Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend." Albert Carnus
In the very last chapter of John ’s magnificent Gospel, there is a simple illustration of the love Jesus has for us and His willingness to be our "friend."
After the resurrection, Jesus began appearing to His disciples. After His betrayal, arrest and journey to the cross, all but one of His disciples had abandoned and denied knowing Jesus. So, it makes sense that this group of men, the disciples, would feel lost, guilty and distant from Jesus.
John tells the story better than I ever could, after all he was there! So, read this short account of a very interesting fishing trip: (John 21:4-14)
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, "Friends haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered.
6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.
9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."
11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.
13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Consider this: only a few days after the disciples scattered like a covey of quail at a time when Jesus needed them most, Jesus shows up on the shore where they were fishing. He didn’t come to preach to them, heap guilt on them or say, "A fine group of disciples you turned out to be!" No, he came to help them catch some nice, large fish, call them "friends," and cook a warm breakfast over some hot coals for them.
While reading this simple but beautiful story of friendship, I was once again amazed at the love of Christ and His desire to help us, spend time with us and be our true and faithful friend. He forgives and forgets our past and says, "Come, have some breakfast with me." What a friend we have in Jesus!
October 2009
"…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19)
Early this morning, I walked out to the end of our long driveway to pick up the newspaper and empty garbage can. For some reason when I arrived at the end of the driveway, I stopped and listened. I identified at least three different birds that were chirping and singing a "Good Morning" to me. I take this same walk every morning that I am at home and not traveling. How many mornings have I ignored these beautiful sounds? We have bird feeders, bird baths and bird houses on our property and I do frequently observe the beauty of these winged gifts from God, but to be honest, I very seldom listen. You see, listening takes time. Many times, to be honest, I’m just too busy and too into my own world to stop and listen to the beautiful sounds God has given us.
It is the same from my devotional time with God. I pray, read and then move on with my day. Rick Warren says, "Usually we’re in too much of a hurry to do this (listen to God). We often just say, ‘Hi, God, it’s me. I’ve got ten things I need from You. Thank You. Over-and-out. Goodbye.’"
May I say the obvious? It is extremely important to listen to God, to hear what He has to say. The writer of Hebrews says, "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." (Hebrews 2:1 NIV)
In John 10:16, Jesus says, "My sheep will listen to my voice."
I want to learn to be a good listener, to truly care deeply about what my wife, family, friends and others say. Mostly, I want to learn to better listen to God. Prayer is 50% talking and 50% listening!
To learn more about the importance of listening to God read: I Kings 19:11-13, Mark 4:9 and Luke 6:49.
2008 Keith Madison Golf Classic
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