My Love For Basketball Kept Me Motivated!

When my love for basketball outranked my love for God, I needed to reevaluate my life!

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My love for basketball was something that my mom encouraged me to do. I struggled in school, but my mom used basketball as a carrot for me to keep in line. I thank God that I have learned that when life gets complicated, and you see no way out from the mess we make for ourselves, we need to call on God. He is our refuge and strength because He is an ever-present help in times of trouble. A daily walk with God before messing up our lives is the wise way to do it. My love for basketball helped me overcome some tough times I got myself into.

God Has Graciously And Lovingly Blessed Me And The Mess I Made Of My Teens And Twenties ~ Into A Message For Others Like You ~ To Hopefully Avoid The Same Pitfalls Of Sin That I Fell Into!

Although God loves us and will never leave us if we follow him, I realized I made horrible mistakes growing up. I put alcohol, drugs, other harmful things, and even good things in my life ahead of belief in and core love for God. I found meaning in life, mostly from my passion for basketball until I was almost 30. When I realized I was using basketball as an idol or minor god, I reevaluated and put my basketball in the proper perspective. I learned not to attempt to handle what the devil and the storms of life deal out because I am not strong enough without God’s help!

Remember that it says in Romans 8:28 and we know that God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. Find your strength in God, not in yourself. If you rely on yourself, you are bound to fall flat on your face, but if you trust in the Lord, the Lord will pick you right back up even if you fall. He will never leave you or forsake you! I have made some mistakes, and I have done some things well. ~ Bill Greguska

What Is Your Story?

My Love For Basketball Began In 4th Grade!

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Encouragement from My Book

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My Love For Basketball Included Kareem’s Sky Hooks!

My Testimony In Jesus Christ

I first heard of Jesus Christ when I was a young boy, about seven years old. My parents took me to church every weekend and even put me in a church school to instruct me, which developed some of my faith fundamentals. My faith in God was very frustrating because I learned about what was correct and acceptable, but it was hard for what was correct and acceptable, but it was hard for me to live it out.

Then, while growing up, the Lord allowed me multiple difficulties, such as drug and alcohol problems, homelessness, and problems with the law, to ultimately understand how deep of a need I had for God through these challenging times I got myself into.

My Mom Used Basketball As A Carrot To Keep Me On Track!

There was a period in my life when I got very serious about my faith because God orchestrated that I would end up in long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation for two years, where I got the needed help.

I got out of treatment in 1989, and shortly after that, I found Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, which caught my eye through its open basketball program. I had a genuine love for basketball. Basketball was the “carrot” that got me back in church again! Elmbrook took me in and helped me grow as a Christian under the teaching of Stuart Briscoe and the rest of the staff.

My Son Chris’s Heritage Basketball Team!

Like Father, Like Son!

In 2002, I was privileged to coach my son’s basketball team from Heritage School (me on the far right, Chris fifth in the front row).

Both Chris and I loved basketball very much. He became an outstanding player, and Chris had years of fun playing basketball like I did.

Just around that time, I took Chris to the NBA Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., just him and me alone. We had such a wonderful time seeing the Hall of Fame and watching a Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers game. We also saw a Globetrotters game while we were out there. What a great time and great memories!

Harlem Globetrotters Were Always Fun For Me To Watch!

My Dad’s 8th Grade Basketball Team, 1931

My Love For Basketball My Dad Had Too! NeedEncouragement.com

My Dad Was 49 Years Old When I Was Born!

I can remember my dad and me shooting hoops in the backyard with him at times. He had an old-school shooting method —not the typical jump shot, but the underhand type of shot.

From the left to right, my Dad was the second boy standing beside the coach.

I was blessed to have two parents who loved me and attended all my basketball games. I wish I could have seen my dad play. That would have been very interesting. ~ Bill Greguska

NBA Signature Moves!

Elmbrook Church Healed Me In Many Ways!

I got a job at Elmbrook church as a custodian for almost five years after I got out of long-term alcohol and drug treatment. The seeds of faith were planted. My roots were getting deeper into what I learned in God’s word over the years. I also attended both NA and AA for about ten years during that time. NA and AA helped me to some degree, but Elmbrook helped me more because it was there that the seeds of faith were planted, and my roots were getting more established by the things I was learning in God’s word over the years.

My love for basketball has endured for well over 50 years! I attended AA and NA for almost ten years, yet even though it helped me, I found Elmbrook church, which caught my eye through their open basketball program. Basketball got me into the church again in 1989, shortly after I got out of long-term treatment. The church took me in and helped me grow as a Christian under Stuart Briscoe and the rest of the staff.

My born-again faith on June 25, 1986, when I finally gave up drugs and alcohol, gave me a new opportunity to live my life for Jesus Christ.

Basketball Was Always Been My Dream!

Basketball was my God! NeedEncouragement.com

Do You Have Any Idols In Your Life? Click Here!

Yes, basketball was my god from 4th grade until I was in my forties. We can learn from one another, but we should not put anyone on a pedestal except for God. For example, do you believe that Michael Jordan never lost a basketball game he played in? OF COURSE NOT! He failed many times. He is human, and there is only one true God, unlike the media portrays celebrities like Michael Jordan and others!

Remember That YOUR VICTORY Sometimes Comes In Small Steps. But Those Steps Need To Be Following Jesus Christ Not Worldly Idols. Never Forget That Prayer Helps More Than You Can Imagine!

Here are some inspirational words I like to fall back on, “Keep Calm ~ Trust In God.” There is help for whatever you are struggling with. ~ Bill Greguska

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.

Hansel Enmanuel Won’t Take NO For An Answer!

Hansel Enmanuel, Despite having only one arm, plays better basketball than I ever could with both of my arms! ~ Bill Greguska

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

How Can Life Be Like A Basketball Game?

Bill High School basketball At Pius XI NeedEncouragement.com

I have found many things to compare to basketball. I have learned a lot from basketball, which has taught me about life, too!

Suppose for a minute that you are in a basketball game. You are down by 20 points, and it’s the fourth quarter with less than 3 minutes remaining in the game. What do you do? The one thing you should never do is give up hope or get anxious! (Philippians 4:6) There is hope no matter the odds against you, how inadequate you feel, or how many times you failed in the past. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Instead, ask God for the wisdom you need to act wisely. (James 1:5) Ask for His help to work things out, no matter the outcome of the “game” — your life — may be.

Sometimes, we will fail, but He will forgive us if we confess our sins and mistakes. (1 John 1:9) God is a gentleman who gives us free will, but we cannot choose the consequences of our sins if Jesus is not our Lord and Savior. The final horn has not sounded — life is not over — and time remains in this game of life, but don’t wait any longer. (Luke 15:21-24)The clock is ticking. Get off the bench and get on the winning team, with Jesus as your Head Coach and General Manager in charge of your life! (Romans 10:9)

~ Bill Greguska

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Mickey Crowe’s Drug & Alcohol Abuse Was Similar To Mine!

Pete Maravich’s Basketball Career Had Some Similarities To My Life In A Much Grander Way Via LSU And The NBA. Thank God, Pete Maravich And I Both Found The Lord After Some Trials In Life. ~ Bill Greguska

Here Are Some Helpful Personal Links:

About Bill Greguska
About Diana Greguska
How can I be a stronger Christian?
How should a Christian view sports/athletics?
What does the Bible say about competition?

What Happened To Basketball School Star Mickey Crowe!

Extremely Serious About Basketball!

Bill Greguska vs Alan Iverson Basketball NeedEncouragement.com

Give it your best shot; don’t quit, no matter the odds! (this photo was photoshopped; I never played for the Lakers)

I played basketball for at least 4 to 8 hours daily during the summertime, and I just loved the game because I was naturally blessed and good at it. I was always the tallest in my classes; it was naturally fun! Basketball was my god, and I was very serious and set many goals to achieve. When I get involved in something, I jump with both feet.

Isaiah 42:17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame.

This page is long, so I’d like you to read through it if you have the time now or later. I have enjoyed playing and watching basketball since 1969 I was nine years old, and I still love the game as a fan! Once basketball is in your blood, it is hard to get it out. ~ Bill Greguska

What Does God Say About Love And Idols?

Does the Bible say a lot about love?
Is tough love mentioned in the Bible?
Love your neighbor as you love yourself. How can I do this?
To “Love Jesus,” What does that mean?
What does it mean that God is love?

Basketball Was My God!

(This is from The Book I wrote)

Lord, thank you for instilling my ability and passion for basketball when I was young. Basketball helped me learn to strive for my goals and not let roadblocks and problems discourage me. It gave me a passion for doing my best with what you have blessed me. I was taller than the other kids, and my mom used basketball as leverage to get passing grades and behave in school. Her plan worked from fifth grade through my sophomore year in high school.

Lord, I practiced and played basketball for two to five hours a day and became very competitive. Looking back, I think I overdid it. Playing basketball was a huge part of my life until middle age. After age 45, I stopped competing and watched basketball on TV or went to Milwaukee Bucks games. I tried to make a comeback at about age 55 and again at age 64, but my hand eye coordination was no longer there, and it very sad not to be able to play like I remember, so I then came to grips with the fact that I no longer had what it took to play anymore. I realized that in my 40’s basketball had become my god, I was motivated to get things into perspective. Thank you for helping me do so when I surrendered my will to you, Lord. I pray I can point others to you so they can get to know you as I have.

Playing basketball for Pius XI High School was a blessing.

But when my best friend Steve died my sophomore year, it was hard for me to cope with the loss, and basketball did nothing to help. I was lost. I quickly got heavily involved with marijuana and other drugs and alcohol, and my life became a roller coaster. It wasn’t until I got the drug and alcohol problem taken care of that I realized that you, Lord, are my one and only God. Now, basketball is just an interest I can choose to enjoy appropriately. I sometimes wonder if there is something in my life I am paying too much attention to as if it were a god to me — work, school, money, sports, alcohol, drugs, food, or something else. I am glad that I have learned that you are a God of second chances!

Joshua 24:15 ~ But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

I tell kids to pursue their basketball dreams, but I tell them to not let that be their only dream. ~ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, second highest-scoring NBA player by total career regular-season points scored (38,387).

Some Specific Scriptures To Encourage You:

2 Timothy 2:5 ESV

An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

Proverbs 16:3 ESV

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Philippians 4:13 ESV

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

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