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We’re just 51 days out from the start of the World Cup! And today on the podcast, we look at Psalm 51 and the Soccer Psalm 51. Infidelity is a massive problem in soccer (and professional sport, in general) and Psalm 51 gives us a look at the confession of David after his affair and subsequent impregnation of Bathsheba had been revealed and that first son had died. David offers words and a song of repentance. Similarly, Soccer Psalm 51 acknowledges sin and the need for God’s forgiveness. Perhaps one of my favorite lines in writing The Soccer Psalms comes with the line in verse 5 “studs up, intent to injure.” David had killed one of his best and most loyal friends and warriors — Uriah. Worse than a career or season-ending injury caused by a studs up challenge, David had taken life to cover up his sin. He needed forgiveness. We need forgiveness, for our sins — and God’s the only one who can clean us from the guilt of those things. The Soccer Psalms, is a self-published book available on Amazon. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and metaphors that connect soccer to God’s Word. I also include some reflection on the context and writing as well as some questions for reflection. Check out the book below: The Soccer Psalms: https://mybook.to/thesoccerpsalms The Football Psalms: https://mybook.to/thefootballpsalms-uk Los Salmos del Fútbol: https://mybook.to/lossalmosdelfutbol From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

Psalm 139 speaks to the way that God knows us uniquely and intimately. This psalm of David speaks to the ways that God knew us before we were even born — and that there was a plan laid out of our lives. What an amazing comfort this can bring in the midst of the moments of crisis or celebration that we go through in this life. Soccer Psalm 139 mimics that same language by picturing God as a Mastermind Coach or Scout. God is one who knows the athlete — tendencies, mistakes, skills, and abilities — all of it. The athlete can take comfort that God is present and near and He sees and hears. it doesn’t matter if The Beautiful Game takes us near or far — God is with us. In the dawn of a career or in its twilight. How have you realized God’s presence in the midst of your own football journey? The Soccer Psalms, is a self-published book available on Amazon. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and metaphors that connect soccer to God’s Word. I also include some reflection on the context and writing as well as some questions for reflection. Check out the book below: The Soccer Psalms: https://mybook.to/thesoccerpsalms The Football Psalms: https://mybook.to/thefootballpsalms-uk Los Salmos del Fútbol: https://mybook.to/lossalmosdelfutbol From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

Psalm 16 has language that resonates in a post-Resurrection Sunday time, “…you will not abandon me to the grave,…” Psalm 16 is known as a miktam — it’s like an inscription. It’s something that one recites to themselves to remind them of truths in the midst of hardship. It’s a mix of praise in the midst of an adverse situation. I wrote Soccer Psalm 16 as an appeal to God to be working on our behalf like a good agent. With God on our side and looking out for us, he can be helping us into that next situation, that next contract, that next transition. His desire for our best often produces more than what we might have ever hoped for and imagined. Is God your agent? Is he your advocate? The Soccer Psalms, is a self-published book available on Amazon. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and metaphors that connect soccer to God’s Word. I also include some reflection on the context and writing as well as some questions for reflection. Check out the book below: The Soccer Psalms: https://mybook.to/thesoccerpsalms The Football Psalms: https://mybook.to/thefootballpsalms-uk Los Salmos del Fútbol: https://mybook.to/lossalmosdelfutbol From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

During Holy Week, I’ve often talked about “Spy Wednesday” (Judas’ betrayal of Jesus) or occasionally about something around “Good Friday,” but today on the podcast I look at some of the events going on during “Temple Tuesday” (during a time of Jesus teaching in the temple courts). It’s in this moment that the authority of Jesus is questioned by the religious leaders of the day. And Jesus’ response to their questions is classic. We live in a day and time when authority is questioned constantly. Whether it is governments or political factions that people are rising up against or whether it’s the board chairman or president of the football club that is about to make a decision — people aren’t afraid to let their voices be heard and to rise up in protest against the “authority” of the day. Sometimes standing up to authority is right and important, but in other times and moments we are called (as followers of Jesus) to accept those who have been put in authority over us. How do we know which is which? We get into all this and more. From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

It’s the historic home opener for Denver Summit FC, one of the newest and hottest teams in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Soccer Chaplains United’s very own, Lis Cheesman, one of the volunteer co-chaplains for the team joins the podcast to share about her soccer journey and background and how God has led her to being a pastor at LifeGate Church in Denver, CO and one of the co-chaplains. Today, on the podcast, in addition to talking about her own background and the beginnings of chaplaincy with the team, Lis plays a game of Crosses with Rev before closing the podcast with a prayer and blessing over Denver Summit FC and the league. You won’t want to miss the exciting interview with Lis. From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

Psalm 90 has one of my favorite phrases and prayers which encapsulates these words of Moses to God — “establish the work of our hands, yes establish the work of our hands.” But in football (soccer) it’s the feet that get used most — so does God establish the work of our feet? Sure, I believe He does. He’s the one who sets out the cones, He marks the lines. I wrote Soccer Psalm 90 so that athletes in soccer can realize that we have a certain degree of frailty. Many times when we are young, athletic — we can feel invincible, we can feel unbreakable. That is, until we break. Our first injury might seem minor or it might be major, but it reminds us that we are dependent — upon others (doctors, physios, and more) and upon God. God can help us steward our lives, our careers if we will but let Him. He will show us where to go and open certain doors that might have been previously closed off to us. We should invite Him into these aspects of our lives — more on this in this week’s podcast. The Soccer Psalms, is a self-published book available on Amazon. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and metaphors that connect soccer to God’s Word. I also include some reflection on the context and writing as well as some questions for reflection. Check out the book below: The Soccer Psalms: https://mybook.to/thesoccerpsalms The Football Psalms: https://mybook.to/thefootballpsalms-uk Los Salmos del Fútbol: https://mybook.to/lossalmosdelfutbol From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

Psalm 91 speaks to the protection that God offers his people. He is the shelter, the refuge, the fortress where people can go and be safe from the different threats that abound. Soccer Psalm 91 is about how God protects the athlete, the player. Injuries — physical, spiritual, and mental — abound in the beautiful game. Some happen with malicious intent from other people. Others occur as a result of the physicality of the game. I wrote Soccer Psalm 91 so that athletes in soccer can realize Whom to place their hope and dependence and trust in. God has our back. He loves us. He is our defense. We don’t suffer from injury like others — it’s not to say we don’t get hurt or injured, but we are able to see purpose and meaning in the midst of it. We are able to understand that we are loved and covered by God even in the midst of the storm. Enjoy this soccer psalm for this week’s podcast. The Soccer Psalms, is a self-published book available on Amazon. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and metaphors that connect soccer to God’s Word. I also include some reflection on the context and writing as well as some questions for reflection. Check out the book below: The Soccer Psalms: https://mybook.to/thesoccerpsalms The Football Psalms: https://mybook.to/thefootballpsalms-uk Los Salmos del Fútbol: https://mybook.to/lossalmosdelfutbol From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

Psalm 100 is a song for giving joyful praise. And behold, in honor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup now being less than 100 days away from kicking off, Soccer Psalm 100 features on the podcast this week. Soon, there will be much celebration and jubilation (and some sadness when one’s team loses) around the world’s biggest stage and tournament. I wrote Soccer Psalm 100 from the perspective of the fans — those who sit and await the match to begin. They start the party well ahead of the game. There is food and fellowship and footy happening. In the USA, we call it tailgating. In the UK, people gather at the local pub for “chippies” before a joyful march to the stadium ground. In other parts of the world, there are other, similar pre-match rituals and routines — usually expressive of joy and eager anticipation to get behind one’s team. In many ways, we await the triumphant procession and return of Jesus and the Cup Final to end all Cup Finals. Enjoy this soccer psalm for this week’s podcast. The Soccer Psalms, is a self-published book available on Amazon. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and metaphors that connect soccer to God’s Word. I also include some reflection on the context and writing as well as some questions for reflection. Check out the book below: The Soccer Psalms: https://mybook.to/thesoccerpsalms The Football Psalms: https://mybook.to/thefootballpsalms-uk Los Salmos del Fútbol: https://mybook.to/lossalmosdelfutbol From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

It’s the home opener this weekend for my club team, the Colorado Rapids. It has me thinking and reflecting on home. I am a Denver and Colorado native (we’re rare these days). And our beautiful state is surrounded by roadway signs that say “Welcome to Colorful Colorado.” But the signs aren’t what you think that they might be. Today, on the podcast, I reflect more on the “signage” in our life that mark out the home space. The words of Jeremiah, the prophet, to the nation of Israel were filled with hope in a pretty desperate time. He told them, take note of the road. Mark out the signposts. They are words of promise — that a return would happen, that God would be doing a new thing in the land (and to the people). Those promises are true for us, today, as well. From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

Every season, there is usually a team or two that acknowledges a “rebuilding” year. It can come with a transition of a new coach, an influx of several athletes, changes in management, or the loss of key individuals upon whom the organization was depending on. Rebuilding is never easy — especially after a devastating loss (like the California wildfires of 2025) where a whole community suffers or is destroyed. How does one rebuild in such times. Today, on the podcast, as we begin the season of Lent and prepare for the start of Major League Soccer, rebuilding begins with a right heart posture. Isaiah 58 sets the stage as we consider what it looks like to get right with God so that He might be our help and our support. It isn’t about a false religiosity, rather it’s about how our Sunday-morning selves live out the rest of our faith walk throughout the week — whether in our jobs, our homes, our schools, or elsewhere. From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

As we wrap up our series on temptation, we look at the fifth and final stage of temptation and sin — the stage of obsession. The progressive slide of temptation leading into sin and sin leading, eventually, to death. Stage five is the most hurtful and the most helpless that we can feel (for ourselves or for our loved ones). How do we get out of the spiral? Today, on the podcast, it’s not to be glib or trite, but sometimes the only help, the only salvation has to come from Jesus. When the captivity stage leads to a neurotic obsession where self-destruction is the path, there is sometimes something that only Jesus can help to heal. We look at a few stories in scripture to see this example and to suggest that sometimes our best prayer is the simplest one — one that acknowledges our desire but our weakness. From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

As we continue our series on temptation, we look at the fourth stage, today. A logismoi (Greek) is an obtrusive, invading thought that assaults our mind, that setups a temptation. There is a progressive nature to temptation in that it leads to sin and, eventually, to death. Today, on the podcast, we look at stage 4 — captivity. The captivity stage is where we keep falling over and over to the same temptation. It’s a trap that we can’t seem to get out of. We may still battle, but we lose more than we win. We might even have stretches of victory or success in staving off the temptation and we might think we are safe or okay, but then it comes back in a voracious manner. Community is key to dealing with the captivity stage and we get into that in the podcast today. From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

We’re in the midst of a series on how to handle temptation. Logismos (a Greek word describing those obtrusive, invading thoughts that assault our minds) has a number of stages that we go through, but ultimately, its path leads to destruction. James 1 has an excellent description of the nature of temptation — it’s source, how we often fall for it, and what it eventually leads to. Today, on the podcast, we look at stage 3 — consent. This is when we make a willful decision to act. This is when we commit sin — the dialogue wrestling is over and we’ve given over and given in to what likely began as a subtle whisper. But just because we fail, just because we fall doesn’t mean that we give up. There’s a pathway toward still resisting and still trying to be in proximity with God. We look at a few different passages to help us realize what this stage looks like and how we need to respond. From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

Last week, we started to look at how to handle temptation — the nature of the logismos (those obtrusive, invading thoughts) that get into our minds, into our heads. Stage 1 was about seeing and recognizing that temptation is pretty common and the thought (the whisper, the suggestion) isn’t itself sin, but it can lead there pretty quickly if we aren’t ready and aren’t prepared or strong enough spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and even physically. Today, on the podcast, we look at stage 2 — the dialogue. There tends to be this conversation that goes on in our head. It can be positive or negative depending on where we are at with things, but how to we best handle the inner dialogue and learn one of the best ways that God has given us a way to come out from underneath the attack? The answer is found in the Bible. Actually, the answer is the Bible, God’s Holy Word. We look at the temptation of Jesus as an exampeland template for how we ought to handle the dialogue phase and be ready for temptation when it comes. From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

During the MLS preseason, a lot of physical, mental, and emotional preparations go on. But what about our spiritual preparations? What about preparing for some of the challenges that we face in life — whether we are at home or on a month-long trip for preseason on the road? Today, on the podcast, I begin a series on temptation. Looking at the nature of it and way to combat it we get into the first stage of temptation, the assaultive thoughts that attack our minds. Are these attacks dramatic and loud? Is it a sin to be tempted? What’s God’s part in all of this? We dive into some of these questions and more. From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.