Sports Spectrum

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:3-5

Read a sports-related devotional by Robert Walker based on this verse in the Winter 2010 edition of the Training Table. These daily devotionals are included with your copy of Sports Spectrum magazine or purchase a Training Table Devotional online.

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Madison Square Garden is the home of upsets so far this week. Georgetown ousts Syracuse and Marquette knocks of Villanova. That hurts going into Selection Sunday.

In SEC play, Georgia toppled Arkansas, but the rest of the bracket has advanced as predicted. Pac 10 predictions were thrown off by Stanford's upset of Arizona State.

Big 10 play has started without upset along with the Big 12

Can't wait to see what more play later today will bring. Enjoy a great weekend of basketball.

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"Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:12-14 (ESV)

Read a sports-related devotional by Ryan DiNunzio based on this verse in the Winter 2010 edition of the Training Table. These daily devotionals are included with your copy of Sports Spectrum magazine or purchase a Training Table Devotional online.

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Yesterday longtime shortstop Nomar Garciaparra announced his retirement from baseball.

Although it has been years since Nomar played for the Boston Red Sox, he decided to come back and sign a one day contract so he could retire as a Red Sox. He still loved the game and loved Boston and he wanted to leave them together.

Garciaparra won't be taking to the field this season, but rather to the broadcast booth with ESPN.

Thanks to Garciaparra and the Red Sox for showing that the game can be played with loyalty and mutual respect.

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"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Prov. 22:6

Read a sports-related devotional by Paul Kelly based on this verse in the Winter 2010 edition of the Training Table. These daily devotionals are included with your copy of Sports Spectrum magazine or purchase a Training Table Devotional online.

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Carl Edwards received a 3 week probation for his intentional wrecking of Brad Keselowski's car in last week's race in Atlanta. NASCAR's "let the racers take care of business" attitude has become a radical departure from fining for cussing on TV and other disciplinary action for minor infractions.

However, it seems that for the sake of ratings the pendulum has swung too far for NASCAR. A three week probational period for a wreck that caused Keselowski's car to go airborne, shattering into pieces and flung towards the crowd?

Would we be having this conversation if Keselowski had been injured or killed? The same accident could have had a much darker outcome. Are actions going to be judged on their results rather than the action itself?

Carelessness for life and property should be acceptable "paybacks." The costs are too high when you play by those stakes. Revenge shouldn't be played out in wrecks on the track but rather by the skill of the finish of the race.

Cars sailing into the air may make for great TV replays and drama on the track, but since when did ratings become important than human life. I'm sorry NASCAR, "we'll know it when we see it" doesn't work for raising kids, training athletes, training soldiers, Wall Street, or on the tracks of NASCAR. Subjectivity gives no boundaries and no guidance for racers that lack in judgment.

What's your opinion on NASCAR's response to the situation? Do you agree or disagree?

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"'Two men owed money to a certain moneylender... Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?' Simon replied, 'I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.' 'You have judged correctly,' Jesus said." Luke 7:41-43

Read a sports-related devotional by Lois Thomson based on this verse in the Winter 2010 edition of the Training Table. These daily devotionals are included with your copy of Sports Spectrum magazine or purchase a Training Table Devotional online.

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In NCAA football, who do you think of? Reggie Bush's "619," Terrelle Pryor's "VICK," Ronald Johnson's Obama support, Zac Robinson's "Press On" or Tim Tebow's verses?

I'm going to guess that it might be Tebow's eye black that caught the most attention. Google searches for the verses Tebow wore would rank in the top 10 searches on Florida game days.

The NCAA Football Rules Committee proposed a ban on players from putting any words, logos or symbols on their eye black. Many are referencing it as the Tebow ruling.

Many believe that the NCAA's standards on restriction of uniforms would cover eye black. In essence the rule may already exist and the new ruling if confirmed would further clarify standards.

Honestly, while the NCAA may be trying to force conformity for prevention sake - aren't there more important issues that they should be trying to tackle? Compliance? PEDs? Coach abuse? Bribes and bonuses?

I don't see the necessity of the ruling. I do see that a means to share Christ would be lost with the adoption of this standard. I also see the importance of believers to follow the directions of authority (I Peter 2:12-14) unless it conflicts with Scripture.

I'll be praying for Christian players to be able to share their faith by every means possible. Pray with me that their message will not be silenced.

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