Last week I had the opportunity to spend quality time with the head coach of Delaware State University on our plane flight to Columbia SC. The time was a treasure. Coach Lavan gets his spiritual "reps" in on a daily basis. Reading: Daily Bread, In Touch and Turning Point Devotionals every morning along with reading his Charles Stanley study Bible. Coach will be the first to tell you he is not perfect. However, his commitment to the internal journey is an example for the team, staff, university and beyond.
Coach has been a leader at every level in football. Coaching with the great Tom Landry and winning a Super Bowl with the 49ers. It would be easy for Coach to bask in his accomplished resume but he is pursuing the sustenance that we all need to be leaders of significance (The Word of God). Delaware State is in the midst of a losing season this year but Coach Lavan understands winning is secondary to our personal relationship with Jesus.
Jentzeen Franklin said "the problem with many Christians is we are well fed on the world and malnourished in the Word." Coach shared his heart with me and asked questions regarding his daily readings and journal entries last weekend. It was significant time with a leader that is growing from the inside out. Our relationship is meaningful to say the least.
The lasting picture I will have on my mind will be from our 45 minute bus ride to play SC State last weekend. I looked to the front seat on the bus and there was Coach, ipod playing worship music and nose first in the Word of God, the entire commute. Not only did he get his first fruit time in & journal, he also built upon the foundation with almost a hour of supplemental reading prior to coaching a college football game.
Life can be busy today, technology, life stations and demands of our daily schedules. We can easily find exits to our journey with God versus staying on the road with Him through the Word, worship and prayer. I pray Coach Lavan's commitment to an intentional lifestyle has ministered to your heart today. A busy leader that finds time for the "main course".
I am missing my first DSU road trip this year due to two speaking engagements, the Spirit quickened me that Coach is probably on the team bus now with the sword in his hand allowing God to transform Him. Bless you today as you ask the Lord how you can simplify your life to work out in His Word, journal your thoughts and worship Him.
Psa 119:105 (NRSV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Eph 6:17 (NRSV) Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Heb 4:12 (NRSV) Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
2 Tim 3:16-17 (NRSV) All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
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Sat, November 7, 2009