Bubba for the Win

Bubba Watson does not have the coolest hair. After winning his first Masters in 2012 Bubba cried like a baby. He made an advertisement for a first-of-its-kind Golf-Cart Hovercraft. Let's be honest, he is a golfing nerd.

But on Sunday April 13th, 2014 Bubba Watson, the golfing nerd, won his second Masters, landing himself a $1.6M payout for Golf's most prestigious tournament.

Yet for all of his accolades, fame and fortune, Bubba knows that what is most important in his life is not winning at golf. What is most important is winning at life.

From his prolific twitter account, Bubba recently tweeted this about his priorities: 'Most important things in my life- 1. God, 2. Wife, 3. Family, 4. Helping Others, 5. Golf.'

He knows that this faith in Christ at times bring scorn and mockery. To those who sneer at his Christian faith, Bubba realizes that, 'For me it's just showing the Light.  There's people who want to put down Christians. I try to tell them Jesus loves you. It's just a way to be strong in my faith.'

After his 2012 Masters win, Bubba Watson gave an interview with CNN, in which he talked about his faith.  Watch at the 1:25 mark and hear his own story of how he came to faith in Christ.

Christ on the Field at the Super Bowl

I love football. No surprise there. I remember meeting my hero -Packers Fullback William Henderson and being speechless as he shook my hand.

For me the best part of the game is rarely displayed on television.  It is the post-game prayer, where the opposing teams come together and offer their thanks to the Lord.

A powerful image relaying the importance of Christ in their lives. 



Here are some links to Christian players and coaches who are playing in this Super Bowl.

In this Great video Clip Russell Wilson, along with fellow players, Chris Maragos, Clint Gresham, and Russell Okung share their story of why following Christ is the most important part of their lives. Seahawks Coaches Rocky Seto and Sherman Smith are also featured in this solid 14 minute video.

Seattle Pastor Mark Driscoll also interviewed these same players.  You can watch the 3 minute clip here.

Jacob Tamme, the Denver Bronco's Tight End gave an interview to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Read the full interview here....  When asked what is the greatest piece of spiritual advice you could give to students he replied,  'Get to know Jesus, our Savior. The Bible says Jesus is so great He “upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:3,) He loves us so much He died for us and now desires to have a relationship with us.'

Peyton Manning, the celebrated Quarterback of the Denver Bronco's wrote about his Faith in Christ in his book, Manning.

For me generally it had always been the big four: faith, family, friends, and football. . . . as important as football is to me, it can never be higher than fourth. My faith has been number one since I was thirteen years old . . .

Some players get more vocal about it . . . and some point to Heaven after scoring a touchdown and praise God after games. I have no problem with that. But I don’t do it, and don’t think it makes me any less a Christian. I just want my actions to speak louder, and I don’t want to be more of a target for criticism . . .

My faith doesn’t make me perfect, it makes me forgiven, and provides me the assurance I looked for half my life ago. . .

I’ve been blessed—having so little go wrong in my life, and being given so much. I pray every night, sometimes long prayers about a lot of things and a lot of people, but I don’t talk about it or brag about it because that’s between God and me, and I’m no better than anybody else in God’s sight.

But I consider myself fortunate to be able to go to Him for guidance, and I hope (and pray) I don’t do too many things that displease Him. . . . I believe, too, that life is much better and freer when you’re committed to God in that way.

Interview with a Catcher

Recently CoffeeShopPastor had the opportunity to interview the Los Angeles Dodgers starting Catcher, AJ Ellis about his Christian faith.

AJ has been vocal about his relationship with Jesus, speaking at various events about his faith.  Last year he joined Milwaukee Brewer Corey Hart at an event where they both talked about the pressures and joys of being in the Major Leagues and the challenges of being a Christian athlete.

Two weeks ago, right before the 2013 MLB Post-Season began, I asked AJ a few questions about his faith...

CoffeeShopPastor: 'What is it like being a Baseball player who is a Christian?'
AJ Ellis: 'As my teammate, friend, and accountability partner (not to mention best pitcher in baseball) Clayton Kershaw told me once, "Our goal is not to be a "baseball playing Christian" but to be a known as a "Christian who happens to play baseball."

Sometimes I feel Christian ball players have it easier than those who aren't in that we have the peace to know that God has already determined the outcome and course or our seasons and careers. God is much more concerned in:

1. Our work ethic as we prepare to compete using the talents He has graciously given (Proverbs 21:31). 

2. Our response in the outcomes of our performance. Do we praise Him when we succeed? Do we still thank Him and accept our failures as part of his pan?'

CoffeeShopPastor: 'How do you stay focused on Christ during the long season?'
AJ Ellis: 'We are so fortunate as a ball club to have a strong Christian presence in our clubhouse. We have an average of 20 men, including our coaching staff who regular attend our Sunday Baseball Chapel service. The accountability and common passions of my teammates allows me to freely and openly praise God and honor Him with a community of believers. It also has created an environment where I can be approached when I am not acting or being a witness of God's grace in my life.

In addition to our Sunday Chapel we have weekly Bible Studies at our home stadium and in hotel rooms across the country that allow us to dig deeper into God's Word and also share more in depth about the struggles and temptations of the professional athletes life.'

CoffeeShopPastor: 'How does your faith in Christ affect how you approach the game?'

AJ Ellis: 'I know the camera is on me all the time as a catcher and I know the example I want to set. I want to compete with all my heart and do so not to receive praise from others but to honor God like it says in Colossians 3:23.   Through my determination and my passion I can be someone who people say "what's different about that guy" and hopefully they find the answer is my relationship with Christ.'


CoffeeShopPastor: 'What advice do you have for young ball players who want to pursue a career in Professional sports?'
AJ Ellis: 'Work ethic, healthy competition, desire, passion, determination, team-work, fairness, serving others, leadership, etc, are all wonderful and important things Sports has taught me. Those attributes are things that help me as I approach every day life. That's been my ticket to a better life. It's not the financial rewards or the minimal fame that has made my life better. Those will both quickly evaporate and fade away but the way I conduct myself, my attitude, and my relationship with others will last this lifetime thanks to the opportunities I've been blessed with through baseball.'

The Risen Christ celebrated at the 2012 Masters

For 2012 Augusta National Winner, Bubba Watson, golf is third place in his life.  Bubba and his wife Angie recently adopted a son named Caleb.  But to Bubba Watson, his wife and son only hold second place in his life.   First place since 2004 is Jesus Christ.  That year, both Bubba and his wife committed their lives to Christ.

Bubba is active in leading PGA weekly bible studies, uses his twitter account @bubbawatson to share bible verses, offering words of encouragement and to remind his followers that golf is not his highest priority.

It is fitting that on Easter Sunday the winner of Golf's most storied prize realizes that it is just third place in his life...

To read more on his amazing Masters win, click here...