Central Iowa FCA, 2500 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA (2026)

10/16/2026

Friday Devotional | Mentally Healthy

Coaches and athletes deal with pressure, identity issues and performance demands. Especially in the age of social media, NIL, the transfer portal and high intensity club travel schedules, it’s easy to be swept up in the need to be at our best all the time, creating unrealistic expectations and heightened worry.

How we think affects how we feel, act and interact with the world around us.

Scripture speaks clearly to the condition of the heart, mind and soul:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” — Matthew 22:37

We were made for the Hebrew word shalom (wholeness, completeness, flourishing), a deep and holistic life, often translated as “peace.” It is God’s design for every part of our lives: physical, emotional, mental, relational and spiritual.

We are whole people. When one dimension of our lives is struggling, it impacts others. These are not separate compartments — they are interconnected.

We live in a broken world, and life sometimes gets out of sorts. But a relationship with Jesus Christ is the anchor point as we work through our struggles.

In times of pressure and defeat, remember God is very present and attentive. You may feel lonely, but you are not alone.

God’s Word reshapes our thinking. Train your mind to return to truth when everything feels heavy. Start with one passage that speaks to what you’re carrying. Replace negative or worrisome thoughts with truth. Give your mind a daily place to land in Scripture.

Pray Scripture back to God. Sometimes when life is hard, thinking clearly feels impossible. Pray a passage and let someone else’s words say what you need.

Mental toughness built on the Word of God is not fragile. It doesn’t fall apart when the score is wrong, when the season crumbles or when the feelings are heavy. It is an anchor — rooted in who Christ is and who He says we are.

10/16/2026

I Will, Even Though

Ready:
“I will bless the LORD who counsels me —even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I always let the LORD guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” —Psalm 16:7-8

Set:
Many athletes and coaches struggle with sleeping. Whether it be a chemical issue, a busy and thoughtful mind or a spiritual warfare type of suffering. Sleep issues account for some long and rough nights for a group of people who already lack adequate rest. For me, I struggle with not being able to turn off my brain, to having night terrors that cause me to wake up in a panic. So that calls for some late nights of looking at the ceiling and praying. When we are faced with situations that are not ideal and not what we would choose for ourselves, we have a choice. Will we remain loyal regardless or will we abandon ship?

For David, he knew where his loyalty lie, and he knew where it would remain. As Christians, we can see a template statement in David’s psalm: “I will _____ even though________ because He ________ .”

For David, he would bless the LORD even though his thoughts troubled him at night because God was at his right hand. David knew God never promised us a life without trouble; he accepted his portion of suffering whenever it came. That’s not to say he didn’t struggle in processing it. The Psalms are full of his thoughts, feelings, complaints and pleas to God about his suffering, but with every psalm came a quiet acceptance and trust.

While God didn’t promise us a life without trouble, He did promise to be with us in the trouble. Each one of us have our own situations and struggles we could fill in the template statement with, but no matter how bad the situation, we can say just what David said: “Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Go:
Fill in his template for yourself: “I will ___________ even though _________ because He _________.

How does knowing that God stands right beside you change how you view this situation or struggle?

Workout:
casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33

Overtime:
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the promises of Your Word and how they comfort me in times of trouble. I praise you for Your counsel; thank You for never leaving or forsaking me. I pray for conviction with this verse, that your Holy Spirit would call it to remembrance when the nights are long and dark, and I feel like I’m being shaken. Thank You for Your presence. Amen.”

10/15/2026

What a night at ADM Fields of Faith! 🙌🏈

Tiger Stadium was packed with energy as students and the community came together for a powerful night of worship, testimonies, and a message from speaker Danny Householder.

It was incredible to see so many people show up, stand together in their faith, and be challenged to live boldly for Jesus. We’re praying that the impact of this night continues long after the lights went out at Tiger Stadium!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” — Romans 1:16 ✝️

10/15/2026

On the Sidelines

Ready:
"Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us.” —Hebrews 12:1

Set:
Have you ever felt like you’re running the race of life on your own? Maybe you see all the other people with their loved ones on the sidelines, giving their athlete water, snacks, cold towels, hugs, high-fives and yet there you are alone with no one to support you. For some, you don’t have to imagine too hard because this is your life.

Right before Hebrews 12, Hebrews 11 lists the faith hall of famers in the Bible. It’s filled with people who believed well regardless of what their race looked like in the moment. A pastor once put it this way: so many people in the Bible have gone on before us and ran their race well. They’ve finished and now they stand on the sidelines cheering us on as we run. So, no matter how alone we might feel when our people don’t show up for us in life or at our games, we are never truly alone.

Scripture is full of highlight reels, lowlight reels, bloopers, glory stories, game plans, play-by-plays and so much more. God, in the richness of His generous blessings, has provided us with all the support we need so that even if no one shows up for us ever again in life, we will still have all the support we need to run hard and well. It’s important for us to remember that people are imperfect, and they cannot fill perfect shoes in our lives. Only God can fill those so let’s not try to force them on our loved one’s feet and be upset when they don’t fit.

Receive the truth that God cheers you on with joy in His presence. An athlete might not have family present, but you know who is always there? The LORD.

Go:
Have you felt the presence of God with you during competition?

Pick one faithful example of someone who has gone before you in the faith that encourages you to keep running well. What is one practical way you can model their faithfulness in your race right now?

Workout:
The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

7You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth? 8This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
Galatians 5:7-8

Overtime:
“Heavenly Father, thank You for never leaving me on the path of righteousness. It’s a hard path and it is lonesome at times, but I know I am never truly alone. Thank You for the stories of the saints and for teaching me how to run well through their mistakes and triumphs. Thank You for the richness and comfort of Your Word. Please give me eyes to see You as You show up for me; I don’t want to miss it. I love you. Amen.”

10/14/2026

Investing in leadership means investing in the future of FCA! 🙌

Nan, Dawn, and Aaron led an amazing leadership training session at last week’s Midwest Region Staff Advance, bringing together staff from Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa to grow as leaders and be better equipped for ministry.

We’re thankful for opportunities like these to learn from one another, strengthen our leadership, and continue serving coaches, athletes, and students through the Gospel! ✝️

10/14/2026

Taper Day

Ready:
"Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” —Hebrews 12:1-2

Set:
Championship athletes practice training rhythms that leave us in awe. Outsiders can imagine the herculean mileage, weight room hours and exhaustive training. What we don't consider is their rhythm of rest. Taper lifts athletes to peak performance. Swimmers shorten workouts. Distance runners reduce mileage. Basketball players trade two-a-days for light shoot-arounds because tired athletes rarely perform at peak levels. The goal isn't doing less. It’s arriving rested and ready to compete.

Hebrews compares the Christian life to a race not a sprint, but one requiring endurance. Athletes understand something many spectators overlook: before race day comes taper day. They deliberately rest, so they're physically prepared to compete. God trains His people the same way.

Jesus invites us to rest in His presence. Relationship comes before responsibility. God's rhythms of rest renew our perspective, strengthen our faith and remind us which race we're really running. As we spend time with Him, the Holy Spirit lays aside unnecessary burdens, reshapes our thinking and prepares us to respond with faith instead of fear. God doesn't invite us to rest so we'll do less. He invites us to rest so we'll be ready to endure well.

This week don't think of Sabbath as simply taking a day off. Think of it as God's invitation to prepare for what's next. Think of it as a taper day. Before all the obligations, spend time with your Coach. Ask Him “What burden should I lay down? What truth do I need to remember? How do You want me to respond today?” Sabbath rest isn't quitting the race. It's tapering to run it well.

Go:
What benefits of taper have you experienced before competition?

What rest rhythm could help you stay closer to Jesus — Scripture, prayer, praise, gratitude or something else? Why?

Workout:
2On the seventh day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it he rested from all his work of creation.
Genesis 2:2-3

A psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. 1It is good to give thanks to the Lord , to sing praise to your name, Most High, 2to declare your faithful love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 3with a ten-stringed harp and the music of a lyre. 4For you have made me rejoice, Lord , by what you have done; I will shout for joy because of the works of your hands.
Psalm 92:1-4

9Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. 10For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his. 11Let us, then, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:9-11

Overtime:
“My God and my Coach, refresh me in Your presence today. Teach me to stay close, trust Your Spirit and lay aside every burden that slows me down. Prepare my heart to respond with faith to run with endurance. Amen.”

10/13/2026

Practice Gratitude

Ready:
"Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Set:
There are no shortages of opportunities to worry and complain, including as an athlete or coach. Demanding schedules, difficult teammates, lack of resources, poor officiating, the weather… We can express a negative perspective on these and many other things. However, the more we instead practice gratitude, the greater our progress spiritually.

The second part of Philippians 4:6-7 gives an amazing promise: the experience of the peace of God, guarding our hearts and minds! This promise is ours as we’re “in Christ Jesus,” united to Him through putting our faith fully in Him. This promise is realized as we exercise our trust in God through prayer—and as we do so “with thanksgiving.”

That brief phrase (“with thanksgiving”) has enormous implications. When we not only recognize our dependence upon God at all times but also practice finding reasons to be thankful to Him in every situation, the results are significant. When we choose gratitude rather than worrying or complaining, we experience the peace God desires for us no matter our circumstances.

Consistent gratitude to the Lord deepens our relationship with Him. In giving thanks to Him throughout the day, we realize how loving, good and generous this God who is present with us is. We look to Him and draw nearer to Him because we know the Lord is the source of all blessings. And it’s in being closer to the Lord that we experience His peace.

When you’re tempted to worry, bring this to the Lord and give thanks that He is present and in control. When you want to complain, make a list of things you can thank God for instead. When it would be easy to be negative, look for reasons for expressing appreciation to God for His work. The practice of gratitude brings spiritual progress and leads you to experience God’s peace.

Go:
In what situations are you tempted to worry or complain rather than giving thanks to God?

What is one next step you can take to grow in the practice of gratitude?

Workout:
Psalm 107
Philippians 4:6-9

Overtime:
“Lord, I confess that I tend to worry and complain in certain situations. I pray that I would instead recognize Your generous love and goodness. I want my heart to be filled with gratitude to You, and I want to grow in consistently giving thanks to You. Amen.”

10/12/2026

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2

10/12/2026

Practice Solitude

Ready:
“After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone.” – Matthew 14:23

Set:
We spend our days surrounded by voices and noise: when we’re in practice or a game, when we’re with family and friends, when we’re listening to music or watching something, when we’re in public spaces… None of these things are bad in themselves, but all the demands and noise can be spiritually distracting. Are we listening to God as He speaks? Are we experiencing His deeper restorative work? Are we reflecting on what He’s teaching us?

There’s a spiritual practice that can counteract the potentially negative impact of the noise of sports and life: the practice of solitude. This is the habit of regularly removing ourselves from people and distractions in order to spend time alone with God. In the Bible, we see Jesus engaging in this practice of solitude. Matthew 14:23 is one example. Another is Mark 1:35, where after a rigorous day of meeting with people and healing them, it says of Jesus, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying.” Jesus knew how much He needed uninterrupted, distraction-free time with His Father—especially as life and ministry got intense.

We need this time alone with God as well: to pray, to read God’s Word and to reflect. The practice of solitude helps us cultivate deeper communion with God. When we step away from other people and demands, even for a brief time, we have a better chance of hearing God’s voice as He speaks to us through His Word and His Spirit. We can give our undivided attention to the Lord, reminding ourselves of our complete dependence upon Him.

Solitude also reminds us that we compete and live for an audience of One. There’s always pressure to believe we need to perform for the crowd or meet the expectations of others. Consistent time alone with God enables us to step away from these voices and demands so that we can refocus on the One whose perspective matters most. God reminds us that we are secure in His love and we find true joy as we compete and live for His glory.

Jesus prioritized time alone with His Father. Regular time alone with God is crucial for us as well. The practice of solitude brings spiritual progress.

Go:
What barriers (within yourself or external factors) do you need to overcome in order to regularly spend time alone with God?

What is one next step you can take to grow in the practice of solitude?

Workout:
Psalm 130
Matthew 14:13-23

Overtime:
“Lord, I’m humbled and amazed that You desire time alone with me. Thank You that You draw near to me so I can draw near to You. Please help me regularly practice solitude so I can deepen my relationship with You. Amen.”

10/11/2026

Practice Confession

Ready:
"Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” – Psalm 32:5

Set:
Game film shows it like it is. Athletes are confronted with their mistakes and poor judgment. Coaches see where they made a bad decision or didn’t properly prepare their athletes. The practice of watching game film gives both athletes and coaches an opportunity to own what went wrong and then pursue competitive progress.

The ”game film” of our lives shows we all say, do and think wrong things. It’s what the Bible calls “sin.” Whether or not it seems like it in the moment, sin is always damaging to us and to those around us. We add to the destructiveness of our sin when we try to hide it, rationalize it or blame others for it. To make spiritual progress, we instead need to confess our sin.

In Psalm 32, David shares what happened when he attempted to hide his sin (v. 3): “When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.” David then confessed his sin (v. 5) and it made all the difference in his relationship with the Lord.

Here’s what we learn from this psalm and the rest of Scripture about the practice of confession:

First, own our sin. Like David, we must stop our attempts to hide, excuse or blame others for our sin. We must resist the temptation of image-management and instead humbly take ownership for what we’ve said or done. Dealing with our sin starts with acknowledging that it’s truly a problem.

Second, honestly confess our sin to God. At its core, all sin is rebellion against God. When we sin, we’re saying to God, “I want to do things my way, not Yours.” Confession is recognizing and being grieved by the truth that our sin is against God. Confession is saying to God, “I’m sorry for doing things my way, not Yours. Please forgive me.”

Finally, gratefully receive God’s forgiveness for our sin. Because Jesus paid the penalty for our sin through His sacrificial death on the cross and defeated sin through His resurrection, we can receive full forgiveness for our sin. When we surrender our lives in faith to Christ, He forgives all our sins. Experiencing the reality of this forgiveness happens day by day as we own any sin choices we make and confess them honestly to the Lord. We can then gratefully live in the truth of 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Go:
When are you tempted to hide, excuse, or blame others for your sin?
What is one next step you can take to grow in the practice of confession?

Workout:
Psalm 32
1 John 1:5-10

Overtime:
“Lord, thank You that when I confess my sins, You are faithful to forgive me and cleanse me. I pray that I would respond quickly when You convict me of sin. I want to honor You with my life. Amen.”

Central Iowa FCA

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