Huffing and Puffing for Jesus

“Dr. Dobson spent his life investing in generations he would never meet. He understood that strengthening a family today could influence children, grandchildren, and generations to come.” – The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute

Last Saturday, six of the young men from our Living H2O Initiative basketball program for at-risk youth participated in an exhibition game against a touring Christian all-star team called the Court Kingz. The purpose of the game, which was organized by the local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was to attract a large crowd to hear a powerful halftime gospel message.

Since I am writing this devotional on the Thursday before the game, I can’t tell you how it went. Hopefully, the spectators were entertained by the Court Kingz, who model themselves after the fun-loving Harlem Globetrotters but with a Christian emphasis. And prayerfully, a large number of people responded to the gospel invitation by trusting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.

The week prior to the game, the local FCA representative came to our Living H2O Initiative to interview our players who were scheduled to participate and to film them shooting, dribbling, and dunking the ball for a promotional video. Kiddingly, I went up to him and said, “Look, Nick, I know that because you’re expecting such a large crowd you’re probably tempted to put me in the game and give me a lot of playing time since I’m such a big draw, but I’ve had my time in the sun so please just let these young guys play.”

Nick looked at me and we both broke out laughing, knowing that absolutely no one – not even my own mom – would come out to watch a soon-to-be 67-year-old basketball player huff and puff his way up and down the court.

Actually, there was a hidden truth masked beneath my lame attempt at humor. You see, at my age, I only have two main priorities in my life: family and ministry. Nothing else really matters much to me. I am laser focused on my family – Deanna, our kids, and our grandkids – and ministering to others.

It seems that Dr. Dobson was cut out of similar cloth, because this is what his staff recently said about him on the one-year anniversary of his passing from earthly life to eternal life…

“We can still hear his unmistakable voice reminding parents that the years with their children pass far too quickly. We can still listen as he encourages husbands and wives to fight for their marriages. And we can still share his unwavering defense of biblical truth and the family.”

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President