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First and Goal: What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up
Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football. He had the size, the talent, the drive...but at age fourteen, he found out he also had type 1 diabetes.
Still, Jake was determined to reach his goal. And God was determined to guide and empower him all along the way.
Jake's journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this collection of inspiring devotions for teens based on more than 100 football terms. Jake defines each phrase, shares a brief account of his life, includes Scripture, and then ties that all up in way that feels real and very encouraging. You'll discover...what to do when God calls an audible in your lifehow to respond when God puts you on special teamswhy prayer is more than a desperate hail Mary
These quick daily readings will help you press through your own difficulties and experience God's dreams for you.
Still, Jake was determined to reach his goal. And God was determined to guide and empower him all along the way.
Jake's journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this collection of inspiring devotions for teens based on more than 100 football terms. Jake defines each phrase, shares a brief account of his life, includes Scripture, and then ties that all up in way that feels real and very encouraging. You'll discover...what to do when God calls an audible in your lifehow to respond when God puts you on special teamswhy prayer is more than a desperate hail Mary
These quick daily readings will help you press through your own difficulties and experience God's dreams for you.
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
6 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Jake Byrne
7 books10 followersJake Byrne grew up in Rogers, Arkansas. A type 1 diabetic since the age of fourteen, he has since been proactive combating the disease and mentoring diabetic youth. He played football for the University of Wisconsin as a tight end, and went on to compete in the NFL. Originally an undrafted free agent who signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2012, he has also been a Houston Texan, Kansas City Chief, and San Diego Charger.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 16, 2015
An amazing devotional for all - though targeted for teen boys. Encouraging, inspirational and gives hope for anyone who wants to overcome.
Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football. He had the size, the talent, the drive...but at age 14, he found out he also had type 1 diabetes. Still, Jake was determined to reach his goal. And God was determined to guide and empower him all along the way.
Jake's journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this collection of inspiring devotions based on nearly a hundred football terms. Jake takes you to the weight room, practice field, and even across the goal line. You'll feel as if you're lined up next to him, facing a very large defender you're about to take down. He also includes Scripture and then ties up each story in a way that feels real and encouraging. You'll discover...
* what to do when God calls an audible in your life
* how to respond when God puts you on special teams
* why prayer is never an incomplete pass
These quick daily readings will help you press through your own difficulties and experience God's dream for you. Highly recommend! .
Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football. He had the size, the talent, the drive...but at age 14, he found out he also had type 1 diabetes. Still, Jake was determined to reach his goal. And God was determined to guide and empower him all along the way.
Jake's journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this collection of inspiring devotions based on nearly a hundred football terms. Jake takes you to the weight room, practice field, and even across the goal line. You'll feel as if you're lined up next to him, facing a very large defender you're about to take down. He also includes Scripture and then ties up each story in a way that feels real and encouraging. You'll discover...
* what to do when God calls an audible in your life
* how to respond when God puts you on special teams
* why prayer is never an incomplete pass
These quick daily readings will help you press through your own difficulties and experience God's dream for you. Highly recommend! .
August 2, 2015
Jake Byrne explains life – using football terms – in his debut book, First and Goal, and he does a superb job! He tells the good, the bad, and the in-between, with laughter and grace. His book is informative, encouraging, and an inspiration to everyone who reads it.
You don't have to play – or even like – football, to enjoy Jake's story. Full of truth and wisdom, and sprinkled with lots of scripture, Jake encourages all who read his story to live for God, giving all to Him and not feeling defeated during the rough times.
Although originally written for teen boys, anyone who reads Jake's story will be blessed by his courage and tenacity. I especially like how it's written more as a devotional – and I'm hoping that's just the way many young teens will be encouraged to read it.
God bless you, Jake. Thank you for being a daily Christian example for all those who enjoy football, for sharing your ups and downs while living with Type 1 diabetes, and offering hope to anyone with battles to overcome.
September 12, 2015
Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football but, at age 14, found out he had type 1 diabetes - determined, he persevered. 'First and Goal', written by Jake and his mother, Holly Michael, is a collection of 90 devotionals. Each titled alphabetically with a football term, and relating a personal experience from his journey to the NFL, enhanced by a related scripture which the reader can apply to his/her own situation. It will appeal to both youth and adults, male and female. I enjoyed reading Jake's story, and was inspired by his courage, determination, and faith. He currently works in Dallas, and has a blog to "educate and encourage others, especially diabetic youth, to be active and achieve goals - regardless of what life throws at them". Following are excerpts from 2 of the devotionals:
TWO MINUTE WARNING (A stop in the game clock, 2 minutes before each half. Normally results in a TV commercial.):
Jake relates his first year of tackle football, as a 3rd grader, and in his awkward chubby stage. Constantly being yelled at because of his mistakes, he hated football - yet his father forced him to complete the season. Just as the 2 minute warning is a time for the team to regroup, Jake needed 2 years to regroup and decide if he would continue the sport. Two years later, when his friend encouraged him to sign up for youth football because of his size, and knowing all his friends would be playing - he decides to try it again, It was the right decision and time.
When pushing oneself, or being pushed by another, and it doesn't work out - he urges that it not be counted as a failure. "Is there anything that you gave up on because of poor results, thinking you weren't good at it? Have you given it a season of rest? Maybe it's time to try again".
(There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1)
EXTRA POINT (After a touchdown, the offense has a chance to kick the ball through the goal posts to earn an extra point, which is also known as the point after touchdown or PAT.):
Lying in her hospital bed, what Holly Michael had already known - was confirmed by her doctor; she was miscarrying. She argued with, and questioned, God. Why would He take her first child? A nurse entered the room and encouraged her to "always have hope", leaving without physically examining her. Considering the cramps and huge loss of blood, hope seemed useless. Yet, contemplating the nurse's encouraging word, Holly realized hope meant giving one's trials to God, and trusting the outcome to Him. Obstacles can prevent an extra point after a touchdown, yet an attempt is made. Scared and sad, Holly made an attempt by giving her situation to Him - dedicating the baby to Him in prayer, trusting Him for the outcome, and understanding that a miscarriage would be His decision. Immediately after, she was filled with a peace, bleeding ceased, and the baby was okay! Hearing the baby's heartbeat, for the first time, brought her to tears, also surprised looks from the medical staff - she never again saw the nurse who had comforted her.
A few months later, looking into her newborn's eyes for the first time, he stared at her with what she can only describe as "wisdom from heaven", cooed, then just as suddenly, his gaze switched to one of an innocent newborn. She knew from that moment, God had big plans for Jake's life. "Like the football soaring into the end zone for the extra point, hope - rising up to heaven - always brings the best results. It's never pointless".
(You have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. Psalm 71: 5-6.)
Quotes taken from 'First and Goal' (Jake Byrne and Holly Michael, Harvest House Publishers), and Jake Byrne's blog: www.typewon.net
A copy of 'First and Goal' was given to me by the author - to read, and give my honest opinion, which I have done.
TWO MINUTE WARNING (A stop in the game clock, 2 minutes before each half. Normally results in a TV commercial.):
Jake relates his first year of tackle football, as a 3rd grader, and in his awkward chubby stage. Constantly being yelled at because of his mistakes, he hated football - yet his father forced him to complete the season. Just as the 2 minute warning is a time for the team to regroup, Jake needed 2 years to regroup and decide if he would continue the sport. Two years later, when his friend encouraged him to sign up for youth football because of his size, and knowing all his friends would be playing - he decides to try it again, It was the right decision and time.
When pushing oneself, or being pushed by another, and it doesn't work out - he urges that it not be counted as a failure. "Is there anything that you gave up on because of poor results, thinking you weren't good at it? Have you given it a season of rest? Maybe it's time to try again".
(There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1)
EXTRA POINT (After a touchdown, the offense has a chance to kick the ball through the goal posts to earn an extra point, which is also known as the point after touchdown or PAT.):
Lying in her hospital bed, what Holly Michael had already known - was confirmed by her doctor; she was miscarrying. She argued with, and questioned, God. Why would He take her first child? A nurse entered the room and encouraged her to "always have hope", leaving without physically examining her. Considering the cramps and huge loss of blood, hope seemed useless. Yet, contemplating the nurse's encouraging word, Holly realized hope meant giving one's trials to God, and trusting the outcome to Him. Obstacles can prevent an extra point after a touchdown, yet an attempt is made. Scared and sad, Holly made an attempt by giving her situation to Him - dedicating the baby to Him in prayer, trusting Him for the outcome, and understanding that a miscarriage would be His decision. Immediately after, she was filled with a peace, bleeding ceased, and the baby was okay! Hearing the baby's heartbeat, for the first time, brought her to tears, also surprised looks from the medical staff - she never again saw the nurse who had comforted her.
A few months later, looking into her newborn's eyes for the first time, he stared at her with what she can only describe as "wisdom from heaven", cooed, then just as suddenly, his gaze switched to one of an innocent newborn. She knew from that moment, God had big plans for Jake's life. "Like the football soaring into the end zone for the extra point, hope - rising up to heaven - always brings the best results. It's never pointless".
(You have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. Psalm 71: 5-6.)
Quotes taken from 'First and Goal' (Jake Byrne and Holly Michael, Harvest House Publishers), and Jake Byrne's blog: www.typewon.net
A copy of 'First and Goal' was given to me by the author - to read, and give my honest opinion, which I have done.
August 15, 2015
As the mother of a high school receiver, I’m thrilled to have found this perfect blend of faith and football targeted to reach the heart of my son. The readings are short enough to keep his attention while still giving him something to think about as he heads out the door to practice. Jake Byrne’s honesty about his personal struggles balancing life, football, and diabetes give hope to others navigating the rough waters of life. While we can all learn from the lessons Jake shares, First and Goal is the perfect inspiration for teenaged boys like mine.
August 3, 2015
First and Goal: What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up is a fabulous read. It is set up like a devotional. I enjoyed reading it so much, I read the whole thing in one sitting. Each chapter is only 1 to 3 pages long, making it really easy to read. And it's full of encouragement, faith, and inspiration. I would recommend this for as young as early teenage boys (or girls).
I highly highly recommend it.
5 plus stars
I highly highly recommend it.
5 plus stars
August 3, 2015
What a perfect way to get across a message of encouragement to never give up on dreams no matter what mountains you face. Using his own experience and about 100 football terms, this author writes easy to read devotionals. You don't have to understand football to enjoy these devotionals. You might even learn something about football, but you diffidently will be touched spiritually. I recommend this book. I was given a copy for an honest review. 5 star for sure.
August 31, 2015
As the parent of a diabetic teenager, I was eager to read First and Goal, a devotional book for teens and young adults by professional football player Jake Byrne. That’s because the author is diabetic too; like my son, he was diagnosed as an adolescent. Subtitled “What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up,” this book celebrates dedication, perseverance and faith.
August 18, 2017
First and Goal by Jake Byrne is a devotional book. It is a great tool for personal or family time with God. Each chapter's title is a term used in the game of football with a Bible verse and short story based on the author's experience with a sport he loves. Jake also shares his battle with diabetes and the strength that God gave him to persevere and meet his goals. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers through The Book Club Network, Inc. in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers through The Book Club Network, Inc. in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
March 9, 2017
First and Goal is a devotional written by Jake Byrne, college and NFL football player. Jake has Type 1 diabetes but hasn't let that stop him from reaching his goals. In this devotional he shares his ups and downs in a way that is encouraging and inspirational. Each devotional is written in a conversational tone as if you are sitting one on one. They are titled with football terms which will appeal to young boys. They are a quick read, yet thought-provoking. I have already recommended this book to friends. I also use it with my own two boys.
I received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to hive a positive review and these opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to hive a positive review and these opinions are my own.
May 24, 2016
About the Book:
Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football. He had the size, the talent, the drive...but at age fourteen, he found out he also had type 1 diabetes.
Still, Jake was determined to reach his goal. And God was determined to guide and empower him all along the way.
Jake's journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this collection of inspiring devotions for teens based on more than 100 football terms. Jake defines each phrase, shares a brief account of his life, includes Scripture, and then ties that all up in way that feels real and very encouraging. You'll discover...what to do when God calls an audible in your life how to respond when God puts you on special teams why prayer is more than a desperate hail Mary
These quick daily readings will help you press through your own difficulties and experience God's dreams for you.
My Review:
God is never far from us and our faith is to grow stronger with each passing second. Jack Byrne knows all too well that sometimes things don't look like they will ever fall into place and what seems to be a dream will always be just that--a dream. God loves us and He is all about giving us the desires of our heart. He wants us to be obedient in what we have been trusted with and to show Him all the glory.
In First and Goal, Jake takes what took him years to meditate on and live by and shares that with others in hopes to motivate, educate, and inspire you to have faith and seek God's will above all else. His book is a great gift for a sports enthusiast to look past the fame and popularity and look to the heart of God and let that lead them.
Jake had a health issue that convinced him that his dream would never come true but as always, God had another plan. A plan much bigger and ultimately better than Jake had for himself.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football. He had the size, the talent, the drive...but at age fourteen, he found out he also had type 1 diabetes.
Still, Jake was determined to reach his goal. And God was determined to guide and empower him all along the way.
Jake's journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this collection of inspiring devotions for teens based on more than 100 football terms. Jake defines each phrase, shares a brief account of his life, includes Scripture, and then ties that all up in way that feels real and very encouraging. You'll discover...what to do when God calls an audible in your life how to respond when God puts you on special teams why prayer is more than a desperate hail Mary
These quick daily readings will help you press through your own difficulties and experience God's dreams for you.
My Review:
God is never far from us and our faith is to grow stronger with each passing second. Jack Byrne knows all too well that sometimes things don't look like they will ever fall into place and what seems to be a dream will always be just that--a dream. God loves us and He is all about giving us the desires of our heart. He wants us to be obedient in what we have been trusted with and to show Him all the glory.
In First and Goal, Jake takes what took him years to meditate on and live by and shares that with others in hopes to motivate, educate, and inspire you to have faith and seek God's will above all else. His book is a great gift for a sports enthusiast to look past the fame and popularity and look to the heart of God and let that lead them.
Jake had a health issue that convinced him that his dream would never come true but as always, God had another plan. A plan much bigger and ultimately better than Jake had for himself.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
June 7, 2016
Can there be spiritual lessons in football? Byrne shares what he has learned from his experience in the NFL and his struggle with diabetes.
The format is an A to Z collection of a football term, definition, then devotional. The devotionals are spiritual truths related to experiences he has had on the field and off.
For example: a blitz in football is when the opposing team sends more than the usual defensive linemen after the quarterback. Byrne experienced a blitz when he was diagnosed with diabetes. He had to learn to control his diet to keep his system regulated during practice and games. He felt overwhelmed on occasion and found his strength in the Lord.
This book is a good one for people who enjoy football and need to be reminded (or informed) of the meaning of football specific terms.
It is also a good book for any young athlete struggling with a medical issue. Byrne gives lots of encouragement for facing challenges like getting knocked down unexpectedly. He also spurs readers on to being a cheerleader for someone else, being reliable, recovering from a fumble, busting out of your comfort zone, and much more. He also gives good information on diabetes such as the difference between the two types.
Food for thought: The NFL determines your worth as a player, but only God knows your true worth.” (45)
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
The format is an A to Z collection of a football term, definition, then devotional. The devotionals are spiritual truths related to experiences he has had on the field and off.
For example: a blitz in football is when the opposing team sends more than the usual defensive linemen after the quarterback. Byrne experienced a blitz when he was diagnosed with diabetes. He had to learn to control his diet to keep his system regulated during practice and games. He felt overwhelmed on occasion and found his strength in the Lord.
This book is a good one for people who enjoy football and need to be reminded (or informed) of the meaning of football specific terms.
It is also a good book for any young athlete struggling with a medical issue. Byrne gives lots of encouragement for facing challenges like getting knocked down unexpectedly. He also spurs readers on to being a cheerleader for someone else, being reliable, recovering from a fumble, busting out of your comfort zone, and much more. He also gives good information on diabetes such as the difference between the two types.
Food for thought: The NFL determines your worth as a player, but only God knows your true worth.” (45)
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
August 3, 2016
If you like football you will love how the authors incorporate football term to tell about God. Even if you are not a fan of the game his story is written in such a way that you will be able to follow along and give you a better understanding of what it takes to play the game.
I was really interested in this book because I wanted to read about how an athlete deals with serious illness. Although he mentioned his struggles I felt that I did not really get what he went through.
I appreciate the lessons he learned and how he was able to excel at football with health issues. His story let the readers know that they can choose to rise above their limitations. The camaraderie, friendship and discipline it takes is enlightening.
The corndog incident was hilarious at the same time cute.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I also posted this review on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Goodreads, Deepershopper, etc.)”
I was really interested in this book because I wanted to read about how an athlete deals with serious illness. Although he mentioned his struggles I felt that I did not really get what he went through.
I appreciate the lessons he learned and how he was able to excel at football with health issues. His story let the readers know that they can choose to rise above their limitations. The camaraderie, friendship and discipline it takes is enlightening.
The corndog incident was hilarious at the same time cute.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I also posted this review on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Goodreads, Deepershopper, etc.)”
May 10, 2016
First and Goal, by Jake Byrne, is written for young people, but I believe there are lessons for everyone in this book. My son was a football player, so I could relate to many of the devotions throughout. Each section begins with a title that is related to football, such as Practice Film, Trainer or Draft Choice. This is followed by a definition of the term, then the lesson, including Bible references.
It is easy for those that are training for a sport to lose sight of what is truly important and this book helps to ground them in this foundation.
Byrne has a gift of being able to reach people with his words and I would highly recommend this book to youth and parents.
I was given this book by Harvest House Publishing and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
It is easy for those that are training for a sport to lose sight of what is truly important and this book helps to ground them in this foundation.
Byrne has a gift of being able to reach people with his words and I would highly recommend this book to youth and parents.
I was given this book by Harvest House Publishing and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
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July 13, 2016I loved "First and Goal" as a daily devotional. I do watch football especially the Super Bowl but was not sure how I would like reading a book about football. Boy was I surprised.
Jake takes us through his trials he has with being diabetic and playing football. He has had to trust and have faith in the Lord and it pulled him through his disappointments due to his disease.
This ended up being a book I will keep in my library, as it is now a go to book. He touches a person's life by his faith and trust and even has helped me to see a more positive outlook on the trials I am going through.
I also enjoyed the football terminology that entwined with the inspirational meaning too.
I was given this book by bookfun.org for my honest review.
May 23, 2016
First and Goal was a wonderful devotional! I originally got it with my son in mind, but I ended up enjoying it as much as he did. We aren’t a major sports minded family but we do enjoy and understand sports to a degree. However, this book isn’t just for sports-affiliated people - it’s for anyone who loves God and wants to be encouraged in their walk with Him. I can think of many more people who would enjoy reading this book and they aren’t all sports focused either. This is a great book for people of all ages - well written, personal, authentic and encouraging.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network and the author in exchange for my honest review. I placed my review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping, if available.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network and the author in exchange for my honest review. I placed my review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping, if available.
June 9, 2016
An incredible and uplifting devotional. First and Goal is geared toward teen boys to show how to overcome adversity. But I enjoyed learning a lot of the terms of football and how he relates them spirituality.
We have three boys each that played football. I would have loved to have had this book as a devotional for them through their teen years. Jake Byrne is truly an inspiration to all. At the age of 14 life as he knew it stopped. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He thought that this would destroy his dream of becoming a high school football player as well as an NFL player. He was determined not to be sidelined and fight. This book shows how God empowered him and was right by his side throughout it all.
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
We have three boys each that played football. I would have loved to have had this book as a devotional for them through their teen years. Jake Byrne is truly an inspiration to all. At the age of 14 life as he knew it stopped. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He thought that this would destroy his dream of becoming a high school football player as well as an NFL player. He was determined not to be sidelined and fight. This book shows how God empowered him and was right by his side throughout it all.
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
June 28, 2016
This is a great devotional, especially if you have a man in your life who likes football. I think they could really get into this. I know it’s always hard to find good devotionals that men might enjoy but I think this is one my husband would even like.
Honestly, because I am married to a football coach and my son plays I really enjoyed it as well, and I even learned a bit more about terms used in football.
I love the way Jake defined the term and then related it to life and also wove in scripture. Overall, this is a great book for anyone looking for a new way to go deeper into the word.
A copy of this book was given to be through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, because I am married to a football coach and my son plays I really enjoyed it as well, and I even learned a bit more about terms used in football.
I love the way Jake defined the term and then related it to life and also wove in scripture. Overall, this is a great book for anyone looking for a new way to go deeper into the word.
A copy of this book was given to be through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2016
I'll be honest...I really don't care for football, but I have to say this is one of the best devotionals I have ever read. I learned a lot about football terms and how they relate to God and my walk with him. The writing style is easy to read and the stories he uses are wonderful. Being a mother of a type 1 diabetic I really understand some of his struggles. It is so nice to have a type 1 diabetic who encourages others through this great devotional. A must for any Christian type 1 diabetic
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews