Passion For Basketball!

Do You Love Basketball? NeedEncouragement.com

 Would you like to talk to someone? Click Here! Just because I had a good game doesn’t change who I am. My identity is in Christ and not in basketball. I love playing basketball, and it’s my job, but at the same time, I recognize that I’m a sinner, and that’s not gonna change regardless of how well I play on the court. ~  Jeremy Lin

Do you have a passion for basketball like me?

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions or need some encouragement.

This basketball story is a captivating story of redemption and God’s grace. It is truly remarkable to think how someone like me could dedicate their entire life to a sport as exhilarating as basketball. I definitely had a passion for basketball. But did basketball become my god? A lot of people like me, have put sports, work, and personal interest on an alter or pedestal in their lives. I can admit that basketball became my primary focus even above God for a while, which is called idolatry. My love for basketball started at a young age of fourth grade, and continuing through high school and beyond, basketball became more than just a game for me – it became my reason for existence, a passion. 

God Makes Good Out Of Our Difficulties In Our Lives (He Has Done So In My Life). We Need To Trust God And Be Patient! And Follow Close To Him! Sure, Sometimes We Feel Like Wondering Or Giving Up, But Have Faith, All Good Things Come To Those Who Wait! Keep Your Eyes On The Lord!

Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do You Love Basketball?… I Have Loved NBA Basketball Since 1971!

Basketball Was My Life…

Basketball is a fantastic sport, and I love it, as long as we keep basketball and everything in perspective. It taught me many valuable lessons and helped me develop strong character qualities. As time passed by, my fervor for the sport remained steadfast. I remember John Wooden’s wise words that echoed in my mind: “The choices you make in life make you.” And so, I decided to pour myself into something I genuinely loved; little did I know that this devotion was slowly becoming an obsession bordering on idolatry.

The question is, “Is passion for basketball healthy?” The ironic thing is, my dad used to tell me that anything in excess isn’t good for you, but he didn’t apply that to me when it came to my basketball playing. Do you love basketball?

Thank be to God – I managed to conquer my addictions. But this victory wasn’t meant solely for personal triumph; it ignited in me a passion to become a beacon of hope for others struggling with similar issues I had faced. ~ Bill Greguska.

 

 

 

Do You Love Basketball? It Is A Sport That I Love!

Basketball testimony of Bill Greguska. NeedEncouragement.com

My Pius XI teammate 1974-77, best friend Kevin Reddy, and I were at a Bucks playoff game!

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  9. Encouragement from a Free Bible
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Find out what God’s Word says about your situation and what to do about it ~ Click here.

 

 

 

The God Of Second Chances In My Life!

I remember one cold fall day about 40 years ago, before tryouts for varsity basketball. I seriously considered suicide, but I was too afraid to do it; the thoughts tormented me. My love for my mom, God, and basketball kept me going.

I remember my mom wanting to buy new clothes for me that fall, but I did not want to waste her money because I thought I would not be around to wear them, since death had been on my mind day and night for quite a while. I distinctly remember my mom telling me to take my dog for a run because I was depressed for quite a while. While I was running down the parkway in the snow, my dog started pulling me to go faster.

 

By God’s Grace, We Have Been Saved!

My Basketball Testimony is a story of resilience, determination, and faith. It’s a tale of how basketball became a guiding light in my life when I was lost, and how I found my way back to the right path. But after hitting rock bottom, I found solace in Jesus Christ and turned my life around with a newfound appreciation for what truly mattered – not just on the court but also off it. We all need something to aspire to do, and basketball was that to me, as I put God on the back burner of my life priorities.

As I did with basketball, I conveyed an underlying message of hope, encouraging others to look beyond their circumstances and find strength in their passion. Despite falling into traps set by the devil along the way, I persevered through trials using lessons learned from playing basketball, such as teamwork or hard work leading to success on both sides: personal growth & winning games alike! The fact that other athletes fall prey to similar vices makes it easy to lose sight of what’s essential when chasing fame or fortune, rather than staying true to oneself and God above all else.

 

 

Now This Is What I Call A Basketball Super Dog!

Dog dunking basketball. NeedEncouragement.com

 

 

 

 

My Junior Year Summer of Drinking And Drugs!

I made the team because I was so good on junior varsity the year before. I was glad I was on the team, but sitting on the bench all year was humbling. But my love for basketball gave me hope to hold on to it. I was alive, and God gave me another chance. It was not the last chance I got. God has been watching over me as far back as I can remember; the problems I did not have my eyes on Him and drifted into sin off and on for the next ten years.

The scripture below shows how God loves you and me and wants to give us second and third chances to bow our knees to Him, humbly come to Him, and follow Him as Lord and Savior.

Joel 2:25  “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm— my great army that I sent among you.

 

Dreams Of Basketball Started To Fade!

I made the team in my junior year at Pius XI primarily because of my reputation. The coaches knew about me in previous years. It was sad that I had thrown away my love for basketball. Unfortunately, in my sophomore summer, I got involved heavily with alcohol and drugs to the point they became my god and overtook my life the way I was hoping it would be.
My love for basketball was almost like a god, but now I enjoy watching the game as a fan! God is now the center of my attention! Thankfully, I became very willing to get help when life seemed to be going nowhere fast. Because of my situation, I became grateful to those who loved me enough to help me start over.

 

Basketball Tree You Have To See For Yourself! Do You Love Basketball Too?

 

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.

Philippians 4:13 ESV 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

 

 

 

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