As a kingdom coach, my goal is to be transformed, and not have to work hard to live the way Jesus lived. This chapter begins a list of attributes we will acquire if we do the disciplines that connect us to GOD. It takes effort to connect and become an apprentice of Jesus. Yesterday was our first official practice. I have a player who has taken her game to the next level. During the off season, she disciplined herself in many ways. One was shooting the ball thousands of times when no one was watching. Her skill level is so high now, because of that discipline, and I expect her to be one of the best players I've ever coached. I encourage you to work on the exercises, disciplines that Jim outlines in each chapter as you continue to learn more about the narratives of kingdom living.

1. Jim's definition of anger: " unmet expectations plus fear" helped me to understand why I become angry. In sports there are many things we do not control, so our expectations are often unmet. Do you believe you have a need to control your players and their behavior? Is this negatively affecting your relationships with them?
2. Walking in the flesh. I read that hundreds of times, and honestly always thought that referred to my body. The clarification that it refers to "living from one's own resources" really changes what scripture says to me. I didn't have as much problem with the sins folks talk about a lot such as drunkenness, lust, etc. But when I started understanding my sins included jealousy, pride, worry, false judgment, and anger, I realized I was not properly being led by the spirit, but my flesh! (my own resources). Does all this connect for you?
3. Matthew 5:21-22 shows us that the first issue Jesus addresses in his sermon on the mount is anger. Reread the false imperatives/kingdom narratives on page 76. Then write your own list that the world of coaching presents to us. It can begin with false narrative: I must win many, many games or I will get fired and lose my job. Kingdom narrative: even though it hurts to lose games, I know that Jesus is in control of my life and will provide and care for me.
4. The season i got fired at Wichita Atate, my team was losing a lot of games. I wrote this on a note and hung it on my mirror: There is nothing that can happen to me today that Jesus cannot use to His glory. He will provide and care for me in every way I need." That helped me to understand and meditate on the presence, truth, and power of GOD. As I learned to really believe that truth, it changed my attitude as I coached my team. I had no unmet expectation with fear! What area of your coaching do you need to apply this truth?
5. Do you understand the difference between righteous anger and the type of anger that poisons our souls? Describe it - (is a bad call by an official righteous anger or sinful anger?) LOL
6. Keeping the Sabbath gives coaches a chance to give up control and also to rest! I have found both of these things to be a great help. If you plan and can get a Sabbath each week, even if it is not on Sunday, I believe you will see that this discipline is truly a gift. It will fill you with joy and delight. Were you able to try it? I hope you can keep trying this one. It's life changing!

My prayer for you this week is that you can continue to change your core narratives as you engage in the spiritual exercises that Jesus practiced, and that as you see a need to do this, you can resist the urge to be legalistic. Remember, you won't get points for doing these things, but you will gradually find that you are closer to coaching like Jesus.

Keep the Faith