Alton Terry, Ph.D.

Promote Peace “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” — Matt. 5:9 Jesus made peace between us and God through the cross (Col. 1:20). As athletes and coaches, we’re called to reflect that peace — pursuing reconciliation and pointing others to Christ. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #Peacemaker

Lowly Tasks “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” — Luke 16:10 Even Jesus served in humble ways — washing His disciples’ feet. Don’t overlook the small assignments. Faithfulness in the little things prepares you for bigger ones. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #ServeLikeJesus

I finished the 24/7 Coaches Bible reading plan from @YouVersion! Check it out here: bible.com/en/reading-pla…

Identity “For am I now trying to persuade people, or God?” — Gal. 1:10 Ben Swarr learned that championships and approval can’t define who we are. Our identity isn’t something we build — it’s something God gives. In Christ, we compete with freedom. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #IdentityInChrist

Purpose Many athletes want to “make a name for themselves.” But Colossians 1 reminds us: “All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Col. 1:16) Our purpose isn’t self-glory — it’s making the name of Jesus known. Compete for His glory. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #PurposeInChrist

I love this type of energy from the OL!

Influence Bo Bassett attended a Bible study led by Kyle Snyder — even when other wrestlers didn’t go. That decision changed his faith journey. Like Daniel (Dan. 1:8), sometimes leadership means not following the crowd. One decision can influence many. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #Influence

Small compromises lead to big consequences. Coach John Wooden taught players to remove wrinkles from their socks — because one wrinkle can cause a blister. God calls us to the same attention in our hearts. “Wisdom is supreme — so get wisdom.” (Prov. 4:7) Guard your heart. Choose character over compromise. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #CharacterMatters

Mental Training “Don’t worry about anything… present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6 Even elite athletes face anxiety. Strength grows through daily faith drills — prayer, Scripture and trust in God. Train your mind. Trust His peace. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #GodsPeace

Refined Through Failure “This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth…” — Joshua 1:8 Failure doesn’t define you — it can refine you. Sometimes God uses the wrong lane to lead you to the right one. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #Growth

Play from Acceptance “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world.” — Ephesians 1:4 Your identity isn’t defined by a mistake, a stat or a score. In Christ, we play from acceptance, not for acceptance. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #IdentityInChrist

Handling Criticism “Am I striving to please people?” — Galatians 1:10 Criticism will come, especially when you’re chasing big goals. But God gives us grace, truth and safe people to help turn criticism into growth. Don’t chase approval. Serve Christ. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #HandlingCriticism

Pause and Praise “LORD, there is no one like you.” — 1 Chronicles 17:20 It’s easy to promise praise before the breakthrough. But do we pause and thank God after He comes through? Today, stop and praise Him — not just for what He’s done, but for who He is. #Devotion #FCATeam #PraiseGod #Gratitude

Cheering Section “Let us run with endurance… keeping our eyes on Jesus.” — Hebrews 12:1–2 You’re not running your race alone. A great cloud of witnesses is cheering you on. Keep going. Finish strong. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #RunTheRace

Athletes, Your greatest ability is Response-Ability: RAT: Response After Turnover RAA: Response After Adversity RWF: Response When Frustrated RAC: Response After Coaching

Playing the Edges “Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do…” — John 14:12 In sports, the edges are where growth happens. In faith, those edges are found by studying Jesus and trusting Him more deeply. Faith moves us beyond the basics. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #FollowJesus

Fundamentally Equipped Great athletes master the fundamentals. Christians do too. “Be strengthened by the Lord… Put on the full armor of God.” — Ephesians 6:10–11 Practice the spiritual fundamentals: truth, faith and God’s Word. #Devotion #FCATeam #ArmorOfGod #FaithInSports

Team Advantage “Two are better than one…” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 Teamwork multiplies strength. In sports and in faith, we’re stronger when we support and lift each other up. Don’t go it alone. #Devotion #FCATeam #Teamwork #FaithInSports

Timeout ⏱️ “Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” — Psalm 90:12 Just like in sports, life requires timeouts. Pause, seek God and gain the wisdom needed for the next play. #Devotion #FCATeam #FaithInSports #Wisdom

Building Character “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word.” — Psalm 119:9–11 Character is built through daily choices. God’s Word guides us, strengthens us and keeps us on the right path. Train your heart like you train for your sport. #Devotion #FCATeam #Character #FaithInSports