My Love For Basketball Kept Me Motivated!
When my love for basketball out ranked 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 as well as I have done some things well. ~ Bill Greguska
What Is Your Story?
My Love For Basketball Began In 4th Grade!
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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’s Heritage Basketball Team!
In 2002 I was privileged to coach my son’s basketball team from Heritage School (me on far right, and Chris fifth in front row).
Both Chris and I loved basketball very much. He became a very good player and Chris had years of fun playing basketball just like I did .
Just around that time, I took Chris to the NBA Hall Of Fame in Springfield, Mass. just him and I alone. We had such a wonderful time seeing the Hall Of Fame, watching a Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers game. Also we 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 Dad Was 49 Years Old When I Was Born!
I can remember my dad and I shooting hoops in the back yard with me at times. He had an old school way of shooting, not the typical jump shot, but he used the under hand type of shot.
From the left to right, my Dad was the second boy standing next to the coach.
I was blessed to have two parents who loved me and came to 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!
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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