The Game Plan: A Daily Bible Study for Coaches

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:8 "Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."

Scripture Location: Ruth 2:11-12 Scripture: "Boaz replied, ‘I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.’”

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet – Leading Through Service Scripture Location: John 13:14-15 Scripture: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

God’s Faithfulness in Every Season Scripture Location: Psalm 100:5 Scripture: "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Confidence in God’s Strength Scripture Location: Psalm 46:1-2 Scripture: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea."

Scripture Location: Psalm 23:2-3 Scripture: "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Praising God in Loss Scripture Location: Habakkuk 3:17-18 Scripture: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

Scripture Location: Psalm 150:1-2 Scripture: "Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.".

Scripture Location: Psalm 34:4 Scripture: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Scripture Location: Psalm 16:11 Scripture: "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Scripture Location: Psalm 27:1 Scripture: "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"

Scripture Location: James 5:7-8 Scripture: "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."

Episode 60: Courage: Leading with Boldness and Faith Scripture Location: Joshua 1:9 Scripture: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Humility: The Foundation of Great Leadership Scripture Location: Philippians 2:3-4 Scripture: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Scripture Location: Habakkuk 2:2 Scripture: "Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.’"

Scripture Location: 1 Samuel 18:3-4 Scripture: "And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

Scripture Location: Proverbs 27:17 Scripture: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Scripture Location: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 Scripture: "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."

Scripture Location: Acts 2:42-44 Scripture: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common."

Scripture Location: 2 Timothy 4:7 Scripture: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Scripture Location: 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 Scripture: "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

Scripture Location: Joshua 6:16-17 Scripture: "The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, ‘Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!’"

Scripture Location: Exodus 18:17-18 Scripture: "Moses’ father-in-law replied, ‘What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.’"

Scripture Location: Proverbs 15:1 Scripture: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Scripture Context: This verse from Proverbs emphasizes the power of words. Communication, whether gentle or harsh, has the ability to diffuse or escalate tension. The wisdom here calls leaders to choose their words carefully, knowing the impact they have on relationships and outcomes.

Scripture Location: Acts 16:25-26 Scripture: "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose."

Leadership Rooted in Humility Scripture Location: Matthew 20:26-28 Scripture: "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Scripture Location: Jeremiah 29:11 Scripture: "‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’"

Scripture Location: Genesis 50:20 Scripture: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Scripture Location: Genesis 12:1-2 Scripture: "The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.’"

Scripture Location: James 1:3-4 Scripture: "Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Scripture Location: Esther 4:14 Scripture: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

Scripture Location: Psalm 78:4 Scripture: "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."

Scripture Location: Proverbs 27:17 Scripture: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Scripture Context: This proverb highlights the value of accountability and constructive relationships. Just as iron sharpens iron through friction, relationships that challenge, encourage, and refine us lead to growth and improvement. God designed us to grow in community, sharpening one another through truth and love.

Scripture Location: Jonah 4:11 Scripture: "And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?"

Scripture Location: Exodus 3:11-12 Scripture: "But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ And God said, ‘I will be with you.’"

Scripture Location: Psalm 78:4 Scripture: "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."

Scripture Location: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Scripture: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Scripture Location: Romans 5:3-4 Scripture: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

Scripture Location: Galatians 6:9 Scripture: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Scripture Location: Galatians 6:1-2 Scripture: "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Scripture Location: Ephesians 4:32 Scripture: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Scripture Location: Joshua 1:9 Scripture: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Scripture Location: Hebrews 12:1Scripture:"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Reflection Questions:“Let’s pause and reflect on how this applies to your leadership.” What are the distractions or challenges in your life that may be slowing you down in your race? How can you model perseverance for your players, especially during tough moments? What’s one step you can take today to focus on the unique race God has marked out for you? Action Step:Today, identify one specific distraction or challenge that’s hindering your leadership. Take action to address it, whether it’s seeking support, letting go of a burden, or refocusing on God’s purpose for you.

Scripture Location: 1 Thessalonians 5:11Scripture:"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Reflection Questions:“Let’s pause and reflect on how this applies to your role as a coach.” Who are the fellow coaches in your life who might need encouragement right now? How can you create intentional opportunities to connect with and uplift your peers? What’s one way you can foster a culture of encouragement within your coaching community? Action Step:This week, reach out to a fellow coach—whether a peer, mentor, or even a rival. Share a word of encouragement, offer to pray for them, or simply thank them for their impact in the coaching world.

Scripture:"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." Reflection Questions:“Let’s pause and reflect on how this applies to your leadership.” Are there areas in your coaching where you’ve struggled to act with full integrity? How does your example as a coach impact the culture and trust within your team? What’s one step you can take this week to strengthen your commitment to integrity? Action Step:This week, have an honest conversation with your team or staff about the importance of integrity. Share an example of a time when acting with integrity required courage, and encourage them to prioritize honesty and fairness in their own actions.

Scripture:"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Reflection Questions:“Let’s take a moment to think about how this applies to your coaching.” How can you lead players who don’t share your faith in a way that reflects Christ’s love? Are there specific behaviors or attitudes you can model that might point them toward God? How can you balance holding players accountable with showing them grace? Action Step:Be intentional today in showing patience and love to a player who may be difficult to lead or resistant to faith. Ask God for wisdom in how to invest in them.

Scripture:"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Reflection Questions:“Let’s take a moment to think about how this applies to your coaching and leadership.” Are there areas in your life where ambition or planning for the future is distracting you from being present? How can you intentionally focus on today’s challenges and opportunities with your team? What would it look like to trust God more fully with your plans for tomorrow? Action Step:During your next practice or meeting, commit to being fully present. Put aside distractions, actively listen to your players, and focus on encouraging and coaching them in the moment

Scripture:"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Reflection Questions:“Let’s pause and think about how this applies to your role as a coach.” How can you see your team, coaching staff, and locker room as a mission field? Are there moments in your coaching where you’ve intentionally reflected Christ’s love and truth? What’s one way you can take a step toward making disciples in your current role? Action Step:This week, identify one specific way you can share Christ’s love in your coaching—whether it’s praying for your team, encouraging a player going through a tough time, or simply leading with grace and integrity.

Scripture Location: Romans 8:11Scripture:"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." Reflection Questions:“Let’s pause and think about how this applies to your coaching and leadership.” Are there areas in your coaching where you’ve been relying on your own strength instead of the Spirit’s power? How can you show your players that strength comes from trusting in God, even in tough situations? What’s one way you can invite the Holy Spirit into your leadership this week? Action Step:This week, take five minutes before practice or a meeting to pray for the Holy Spirit’s strength and guidance. Ask Him to equip you to lead boldly and to show your players what it means to trust in God’s power.

Scripture Location: Colossians 3:23Scripture:"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Reflection Questions:“Let’s take a moment to reflect on how this applies to your leadership.” How do you approach the less exciting or more challenging aspects of your coaching responsibilities? Are there areas in your leadership where you’ve been seeking human approval instead of working for the Lord? How can you encourage your players to pursue excellence with purpose this week? Action Step:Identify one aspect of your role that feels mundane or stressful. Take time today to pray over it, asking God to help you approach it with diligence and a heart focused on honoring Him.