To attempt a free-throw shot without hope and/or imagination is like shooting dice or playing the slot machines in Las Vegas, NV. There is a chance you could make the shot. However, there is also a chance that you could miss the shot. If you have a fairly decent shot, the chances are greater that you will probably make the next shot. However, according to Scripture, “Without vision, the people perish”(Proverbs 29:18). Too preachy? Let’s explore this concept while we attempt a free-throw using hope and imagination. The element of chance has now decreased. Does this mean I will never miss another free-throw? Unfortunately not, although your shooting percentage will become so greatly improved that it will appear to onlookers as if you never miss. In this excerpt from our book, “Faith and Free Throws: Seven Days To Improve Your Game and Your Life” we will examine the intricate spiritual, mental, and physical aspects involved in the evolution of the process of shooting the perfect free-throw, simply using the spiritual attribute of confession of faith, and applying this action with a renewed mind. This involves a faith action on the part of the player. However, before this action is performed, let’s consider some common denominators leading up to the point of actually performing this action.

“ Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works Thou believes that there is one God; thou does well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”(James 2:17-20).

First of all, unlike any other time in the game of basketball; when we shoot the free-throw, the time and motion of the game have to cease. Another important point is there is no opponent attempting to hinder the shooter at the free-throw line. Finally, this is the only time in the game where the players are in a word allowed the “absolutely free” opportunity to use the mind, faith, confession, and to concentrate, focus, meditate on the target. The last point, as opposed to one attempt at the basket at a time, in this portion of the game the player is given two or three consecutive chances to freely shoot the basketball. When you step back and really think about it, the question that comes to mind is; Why do we have so many players missing so many free-throws? On a spiritual level, God has freely given the believer the gift of salvation by your confession of faith, your belief in the death, burial, and resurrection through acceptanceo the supreme sacrifice of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Why do so many mss the opportunity of salvation?