Leadership

I've just returned from the National Athletic Directors Conference in Orlando, FL with stacks of materials, pages of notes from inspirational speakers, and a renewed spirit about the impact athletics has on today's students and ultimately our future leaders.  In the opening session, Pat Williams laid out the 7 qualities of a leader - Someone who has a clear vision, can communicate well (and listen well), someone who genuinely loves peoples, has strong character, is competent, gets results, is bold and can make decisions, all with a serving heart.  He says children get their first exposure to the art of leadership when they participate in athletics and it's our job as coaches/directors to make sure it's a positive experience.

It was such a privilege to be a part of this very informative weekend.  I took two courses for educational development.  One was called, "Athletic Administration: Principles, Strategies, and Methods" and the other was "Legal Issues I: Risk Management".  Other workshops included "Developing the Credible Coach", "Conducting Successful and Informative Parent Meetings", and "Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Participation".

Why am I so amped up about the conference?  Well, God tells us in 2 Peter 1:5 to add to our faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge.  So, when I can find better ways to teach our athletes, coaches, and parents through better communication and relationships, I can't wait to share my excitement.  Stop by the athletic office to hear more as we co-labor to build the next generation of leaders together.

 

Peace

John MacArthur writes in The Quest for Character,

"...peace is the tranquility of a soul who finds rest in Him." 

Many of us, especially during the holidays, try to find peace by getting the perfect gift, decorating the house just so, staying caught up at work, remaining ultra organized, staying in shape, eating the right foods, or dozens of other external do's and dont's.  But, true peace, like salvation, comes from faith, not by our own efforts.

How does this relate to athletics?  Knowing peace is a gift from God (John 14:27) and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7), an athlete can be freed up to perform without fear.  Winning games or practicing until perfect will not bring you peace.  As a matter of fact, high levels of success often lead to an empty feeling and just adds to pressure to repeat the performance.
This Christmas, this season, find rest in Him.  Your soul longs for a relationship with the Prince of Peace, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

God keeps His promises

The rainbow reminds us of God's promise to never flood the earth again.  What miracles in your life remind you of God's faithfulness?  The email below encouraged me that being obedient to Christ's call is as exciting as a double over-time victory. 

What a game Thursday afternoon between the Calvary Christian Academy Eagles and American Heritage Delray! Both teams gave their all, leading to a double overtime playoff. The Eagles blocked their extra point and then scored a touchdown and the extra point for the win. The best part of the game, though, was watching our boys pray with The Delray team after the game. Looking on, you are amazed to see these boys sharing Christ and praying with their opponents. When my son got in the car he said that four kids prayed to receive Christ! That is what I call an incredible victory! Looking over at the field we noticed a rainbow, and I thought what a blessing. Our school, our football team is part of God’s plan to share Christ and win the lost. And this happened after an intense, exciting, competitive football game.  Awesome! I also wanted to say how really blessed our school is to have such an incredible and dedicated football coaching staff! God has put together an amazing team of men to coach our boys! Way to go CCA! CCA Parent

And, had the CCA Eagels lost, the joy and fulfillment would have been the same because no one remembers a football score a year from now.  But, the boys that asked Jesus into their heart, their lives will be changed for all eternity.

Who wants to share the team creed after the game?

On Saturday, the CCA Eagles middle school football team finally got to play their first football game.  They traveled out west to face the Patriots of American Heritage Plantation.  It was an epic battle between two big (AHP was very big), hard hitting teams.  While both teams made their advances near the end zone, the Patriots were the only team who managed to cross the goal line.  The game ended 6 - 0.

But, as hard fought and physical as this game was, it was the spiritual battle that brought both teams to their knees in the middle of the field after the game.  Jameson Offerdahl, CCA's middle linebacker, stood in front of both teams and shared the CCA football team creed.

Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross I have a relationship with God. As a man I have put away childish things and I choose to represent that relationship at all times.

I am confident the Patriot players, coaches, and parents were elated by the win and may have expected from CCA a short post game prayer before running off to celebrate.  But, for an 8th grader to step up and share his teams' creed with the opposing team right after the game and ask them to let him know if they had any questions about their own relationship with Jesus, it makes you (it made me) stop and ponder.

To all of the parents in the stands, it displays love and a commitment that regardless of the outcome, we will honor God.  It shows that Jameson and his teammates have truly chosen to represent Jesus Christ "at all times".  It shows that discipleship in athletics IS the focus and it's having an impact on our community.

And it begs the question, who do we need to tell?

Missionary with a Major League Arm

What do Baseball Hall-of-Fame inductee Nolan Ryan, the 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush, and Grammy Award Winner Taylor Swift, and all have in common? All of these famous celebrities have had their picture taken with Calvary Christian Academy alumnus Luke Jackson.

Luke, who last year led the CCA Eagles to the 2A Regional Quarterfinals by going 8-1 with 96 strikeouts and an earned run average of 0.90, signed a contract with the Texas Rangers that included a $1,545,000 bonus. So, meeting Mr. Ryan, the current owner of the Texas Rangers and President Bush, the past owner of the Texas Rangers, was a special privilege for their first-round pick. But, the picture capturing him getting a peck on the cheek from Taylor Swift, well, let’s just say that’s “par for the course” in the life of Luke Jackson.

Luke is a unique individual that excels in just about any sport. He’s won a two-man beach volleyball tournament, he was First Team All-County in soccer, and he hits the golf ball as far as anyone on the professional golfer’s tour (just ask him).
But, what really sets Luke Jackson apart is his relationship with the Lord Jesus, his love for his family, and his heart for others. Behind the long hair, laid back approach, and the black-and-white checkered shoes and matching backpack, is a genuine “class act”. Luke is friendly, fun-loving, and compassionate.

Benefiting from spending time on the mission field and being led by parents who diligently taught him the Bible, Luke learned at a young age what it meant to live, to give, and to serve in obedience to Christ’s command. When asked about what he would do with his signing bonus, he responded that he would like to build schools in remote areas of the world and continue the mission work that inspired him as a child.

Who knew Luke Jackson, caught on television at a Florida Marlin’s game dressed in a bright orange Spandex body suit dancing on the seats, was a tender hearted, Spirit-filled missionary, who, o yeah, throws a baseball 96MPH.

Is today the Day?

In sports, there's a saying that on "any given day" a team or an individual has the opportunity for victory.  Let's look at a few sayings that accentuate just how much power and promise a day can hold.

1. This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).  Be very thankful for the gift of another day.
2. Our day will come.  We may have lost to Pine Crest this year, but the Facebook post from Shawn Lashbrook and the response from Rod Pearcy show that character is shaped by adversity. 
   

   "Ya live and ya learn. Tough loss, but we will go at this week in practice and get better. Learn our lessons and improve." 

   "When faced with adversity, great players redeem themselves by being great leaders. The only real score that will be remembered is that 3 were added to the kingdom...great job Shawn."

   And, for those three Pine Crest players and coaches, they're day of salvation did come when they accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior through prayer after the game.
3. Exhort one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approching (Hebrews 10:25).  The Day is coming.  King Jesus' return is fast approaching.  Our life may end before His return, but either way, soon and very soon, we will be in His presence.  May I join with the author of Hebrews and implore you, Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.

The day has a lot to offer.  It may be a chance to play better, run faster, jump higher than you ever have before.  But today may also be the first time you heard a call from the Lord to join into a personal relationship with Him.  Or, it may be today you are being challenged by the Lord to be obedient with the day He has provided.  Whatever today is for you, embrace it with all your heart.  Accept the challenge of competition, accept the free gift of eternal life, accept the call to obedience and experience the power and promise a day can bring.

Great is Thy faithfulness!

1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification..."  Sanctification is the purifying work of the Holy Spirit that makes us more like Jesus.  It happens through the reading of the Word, through worship, through teaching, and through fellowship.  But, sanctification also takes place during tests, trials, and tribulations.  Remember, it's how we react to an opportunity or challenge that determines how much or how little our actions and attitude are like Christ.

This week at CCA we had many opportunities to see God work in us and through us.  But Friday, was one busy day.

At 7:30 AM... I had to inform a dad that his two sons were ineligible for the entire football season.  Due to an FSHAA rule on when forms needed to be turned in, the boys could not play.  I told him we would see what we could do, and he and the family should pray to see what God would do.

10:30 AM... Chapel time on Friday's at CCA.  Pastor Bob declared God has a place, pace, and purpose for every student.  Some are called to academics, some to music or drama, some to athletics, the point is God's place, pace, and purpose should be respected and encouraged by all.  He concluded by saying pastors, teachers, and coaches are there to come along side and help students reach their goal, not the goal others may have had in mind for them, but the life God has prepared.

11:00 AM... A coach hustling to get the field ready for the afternoon football game flips his golf cart and is thrown from the seat and lands on the pavement.  He's pretty banged up, but he manages to complete his work.  Thank God he wasn't more seriously hurt and kudos to this individual who's heart and determination give us a glimpse at what it means to be "set-apart", serving no one else but the Lord.

After lunch it got even busier.  But, let me tell you... God is FAITHFUL.  Our prayers and dependence on Him brought us closer to the Lord.  Friday's football game was excellent.  Great play and after the game great conversations about what God is doing in athletics and who Jesus is, to which two players from the other team asked about starting their own relationship with Christ.

Then, on Sunday, the FHSAA said they would give us some latitude and granted the two boys their eligibility.  Great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see! 

One of the hardest days of my life

I thought dropping Adam off at college would be no big deal. There was nothing presumably difficult about unpacking the car, setting up his dorm room, and buying the neccessary supplies.  But when it came time to say good-bye,  I could no longer hold back the emotions.  He was about to begin his life on his own, and it made my heart break.  Not because he wasn't ready, but because his brother, sister, mom, and I would miss having him at home. He was an incredible help around the house, sure, but it was his character that made everything so enjoyable.

I am so proud of the man Adam has become.  He loves Jesus, he loves his family, and he loves others.  He will major in Accounting, but he will learn about LIFE at the University of Florida... at football games, in the library, doing laundry, riding his bike, and attending church and small groups with his friends.  He's been looking forward to this opportunity for scholastic advancement and a chance to "test" his knowledge and his walk.

God Himself has promised to sanctify him through and through until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and to be with him always.  The Word of God has been poured into him the last 8 years by the pastors and teachers at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale and Calvary Christian Academy.  We have prayed and prayed and prayed for him, with him, and with others, and have given him all the advice a young man heading to college could possibly absorb.

So, why am I so sad?  I don't know.

All I can do is to continue to pray that God will fill him with the knowledge of His will and that he may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work.

Want to become more like Christ? Participate in Athletics!

Why do we love sports so much? Is it because hard work and discipline usually pay off? Is it because sometimes the underdog wins? Is it because it takes enormous skill to play at the highest levels?
It may be all of those, but do you know why I really love sports? Because athletic competition forges Godly character. Athletics has a way of bringing out what's really in your heart.  If it's a good attitude, praise the Lord.  If it's a bad attitude, coaches and parents get a chance to rebuke, correct, and encourage so a character transformation can take place.

It's not how good you play or how bad you play, it's not about winning or losing, it's not about the college you can get into if you're really good... it's about how you react to your performance, it's about your attitude about the outcome of the game, it's about the impact you can have on any college campus for Christ!

Becoming more Christlike through Athletics is a relentless pursuit of excellence.  It's about making corrections and adjustments, it's about working harder so the next time it might be different. It's about heart, integrity, and perseverence. It's about reflecting Christ!

"We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul reminds us that our relationship with the Lord needs to be genuine because we represent Christ. Our attitude and our actions have eternal ramifications. At Calvary Christian Academy, we take that charge very seriously.

Every event, every class, and every game is about one thing... learning about God's love and sharing God's love with others. On November 6th, Calvary Christian Academy will host the second annual CCA 5K Run/Walk to benefit CCA Athletics. CCA has 13 sports programs (including lacrosse), 100 coaches, and 500 student-athletes all focused on one mission... Making Disciples of Jesus Christ! Please pray about your involvement in genuine kingdom building. Click on www.ccaeagles.org/athletics to help us build Godly character and impact a community for Christ!

Do we reflect Christ?

As we draw near to the end of the school year, we begin to reflect on what was accomplished in athletics.  Did we prepare students to glorify God spiritually, academically, and socially?  Are the student-athletes more like Christ in attitude and action?  Did they acheive their absolute best?  Have we been obedient to our calling, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart?  (Note:  A bondservant is "a person bound to service without wages", a disciple of Christ compelled by God's love to love and serve others).

By the grace of God, the answer to "Was this year a success?" is yes!  Players and coaches effectively sharing the gospel and bringing others to Christ, games played as "outreach", and discipleship plans that included weekly teaching from Calvary Chapel pastors and a missions trip to North Africa are just a few opportunities that "set us apart" spiritually.  Athletes that will attend Dartmouth, University of Florida, University of Miami, and Liberty University, and All-Academic nominations are just a few stories that bring God the glory academically.  And, to list the acheivements athletically, I'll leave that for the newspapers, website, and award shows.  That said, make plans to attend the Varsity Sports Awards on May 11th at the Calvary Chapel Theater to celebrate the "perfect season" and honor the Perfect Coach in heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Making Disciples" though athletics is what we do.  Success is measured by the growth of a team's character, not by the number of wins. Our preparation, our attitude, our effort, our response to adversity, and our humility in victory need to reflect Christ...at all times!

One in Heart and Faith with 2009 Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan

On March 19th, coach Chris Lane and the CCA middle school baseball team went to the Florida Marlins spring training game in Jupiter.  After the game, the CCA team, coaches, and a few parents enjoyed a lasagna dinner at the spring training home of Brett Carroll and Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan.  Both Marlin players shared about their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and encouraged the young players to work hard, be strong, and remain steadfast in their faith.

What a great model...professional athletes, gifted by God, called to share their time, treasure, and testimony with the next generation, and "making disciples" of Jesus Christ by speaking the truth about baseball and life.

Hearing about playing in the "big leagues" and watching swing mechanics on the laptop was quite a thrill for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.  Knowing they have the same Savior and are one in heart and faith with "BC" (Brett Carroll) and R.O.Y. (Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan)...priceless.

Building Blocks of a Building Program

CCA is embarking on a massive endeavor to upgrade our athletic facilities to the highest standards by the 2012 - 2013 school year.  This is a strategic initiative that will not only motivate the top local Christian athletes to attend CCA, but also inspire athletes from around the country to visit and share in genuine God-honoring competition.  Premier athletic facilities along with high academic standards will compliment CCA's mission to "Make Disciples" for the next generation.

There are a few building blocks that are foundational to our building program.  The first is a prayerful spirit.  Acts 6:4 says, "we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."  Philipians 4:2 says, "Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer."  I could list dozens of verses that show the power of prayer and would compel all of us to get on our knees and talk with Almighty God.

The second building block is a loving heart.  The love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).  Why?  So, we can love others.  The Bible says when Jesus saw the multitudes in need He had compassion on them.  If we build something for our own glory, we labor in vain.  But, if we are more equipped to share Christ with lost souls because of a new Athletic Center or Football Stadium, then it can't be completed soon enough.  God is love, and we are to be imitators of God.

The third building block is willing hands.  Calvary Christian Academy is filled with men and women who live to serve.  Jon Bunch, Harry Mucerino, Lisa Stephenson, Noelle Reis, Kathy Shashaty, Steve Hornsby... the list goes on.  A building program takes many people willing to sacrifice for their children, your children, and the young men and women that will experience a spiritual transformation after visiting the campus at CCA.

Are you in?  Pray...Love...Serve!  Your commitment will have eternal ramifications.

Christ-honoring Perfection

Have you ever asked the question, "Are my attitude and actions on the field or court bringing glory to the Lord?",  "Is Jesus honored by how I play?", or "Does God care if I win or reach my maximum potential?"  The integration of Christian beliefs and biblical truths with athletic competition is commonly misunderstood. The Bible tells us "whatever you do, do it heartily."  But how hard do I go, how intense is my focus, how passionately do I pursue my personal best?  God's Word says it best in 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Run in such a way as to get the prize."

Wes Neal, the founder and president of Champion of Excellence and author of Handbook for Athletic Perfection, says,

"The perfect athletic performance is a result of the Holy Spirit developing you into the likeness of Jesus through your athletics.  The attitudes and actions of Jesus Christ are yours when you are controlled by the Holy Spirit.  The [power] of His attitudes and actions will develop your athletic ability to the maximum potential for which God has designed it."

Jesus Christ needs to be the center of your athletic life and Wes claims that if you learn to fellowship with Jesus during your athletic performance, you will experience a deeper walk with Him in all other areas of your life.

What say you?  Please send me your comments.  We will spend a few weeks on this important and widely debated topic Wes Neal calls, Exciting methods for acheiving Christ-honoring perfection.

Perseverance

Sophomore catcher Taylor Gushue broke a 5-5 tie in the bottom of the 10th inning with a walk-off RBI single, scoring Emilio DeSilva to lead Calvary Christian over Coral Springs 6-5 in the championship game of the Colts First Pitch Classic on Saturday.

Gushue finished 4 for 4 with three RBI and hit his third home run of the season to dead center field in the third inning for the Eagles (3-0).

A few innings before the dramatic finish, a foul tip ripped the thumbnail off Taylor's throwing hand. But, the next inning Taylor threw out a runner at third base preventing the go-ahead run. Later, Taylor took another foul ball off his other thumb. So, delivering the game winning hit with pain in both hands is a story of perseverance that will become part of Taylor's character.

Paul in Romans 5:3-4 encourages all of us to endure trials and tribulations, to actually rejoice, knowing these challenges will produce perseverance; "and perseverance, character; and character, hope." Your character is being shaped by how you handle life's difficulties. Do you have a steady persistence in spite of obstacles or discouragement?

Perseverance is impossible unless you have faith. Verse 1 in Romans 5 says, "justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Faith gives freedom and confidence to overcome. Faith leads to triumph. Faith in Jesus means eternal hope and salvation. Is your faith in Christ the Lord? Are you equipped to persevere?

Flat Steve

On Friday and Saturday, I had the privilege of watching the CCA wrestling team compete at Cardinal Gibbons for the Regional Championship.  Jahlani Callender and Dominick Pierre won their weight class and will advance to the State Finals as Regional Champs.  Anthony Schneider placed fourth and will also advance to the State competition.  I learned a few things about the sport of wrestling including the "head and arm" and the "ankle grab". 

But it's what I learned about "Flat Steve" that inspired me the most.  Flat Steve is only a paper cut-out with the face of wrestling coach Steve Williams on a popsickle stick.  Coach Michelangelo Lima explained that the team asks people to pose for a picture with Flat Steve giving them an opportunity to introduce themselves and share their faith in Jesus with them.  This may happen as they wait around between matches or at a local food court during the lunch break. 

Yesterday, just prior to Jahlani and Dominick wrestling for the championship, the team went to the Galleria for lunch.  And instead of wandering around the mall, the coaches encouraged the wrestlers to take Flat Steve and "share their faith".  A few shoppers said they were Christians, some were not interested, and some asked for prayer.

Christ was not only glorified on the mat, He was King of their day.  What an awesome example of athletes engaging in outreach and coaches teaching what being a champion is all about.  Thanks Flat Steve and thank you Jesus!

Hugs, Humility, and Honor

Here's a story from Bob Ostrander, Head Softball Coach/CCA Middle School, 

God put it in my heart to bring the girl's together by having them hug one another everyday. When they see each other in the hall they have to hug...to see this occur and to see the true affection that is growing amongst themselves is why I love coaching. They are truly sharing the love of God that He pours out on them. Also, Haley Cilurso is one of my 3 captains and we had 4 jackets to pass out. Two pitchers each got one and so that left two to be divided amongst the three captains. Haley let it go to Dalana and I let her know how much I appreciated her Godly character and for that I wanted [to reward her.] I think this will be a great lesson for all the girls that when we show humility ( Jesus greatest quality) - honor always follows, AMEN! By the way, one mother came up to me already and said that her daughter was not getting along with another girl on the team but because of the constant hugging, they are actually liking one another according to the daughter, Praise God!

What if?  What if it was just that simple?  Unity through hugs and kindness and generosity and service and smiles... unity through LOVE!  The Bible says in John 13:34-35, "love one another; as I have loved you... By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

I remember an old book that said, "Love is... a warm blanket."  Can I tell you that real love is... while we were still sinners Christ died for us.  I challenge you to love others in the same way, sacrificially giving up your life to preserve another.  I challenge you follow the example of our middle school softball players and HUG!

Big Props, Big Win, Big Green!

Big props to the cast and crew of "The Wizard of Oz".  The play put on by the students at Calvary Christian Academy this weekend was fantastic.  The acting and the costumes and the dancing and the voices were all "Broadway" caliber.  But the best part was Dorthy realizing she had "access" all along to go back to Kansas through the power of ruby slippers, the same way we all have "access" to heaven through the power of the red blood that was shed by Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary.  I also love the parallel that along the "yellow brick road" of life, brains, heart, and courage are gifts from God and will guide us through life.

On Friday, the CCA boy's varsity basketball team had a BIG win against the lions of Westminster Academy.  Down by four points after the third quarter, the team erupted with 30 points in the fourth quarter to win by 10.  Ben Mayell led the Eagles with 35 points and 8 assists.  Shawn Lashbrook added seven points and 10 rebounds.  It was quite a show. 

Another exciting time coming up for these players will be on April 1st, when they embark on a 10 day mission trip to North Africa.  They, along with CCA Director of Football Trent Gamble, will teach and play basketball, and share the truth and love of Jesus, in the predominately Muslim country of Morocco.  On Friday, March 12th, we'll play the annual "Night of Champions" to help support their journey.

Finally, in a week filled with celebration, I'm honored to announce Dominick Pierre, a senior at CCA, will attend Dartmouth in the fall.  Dominick will be the first Calvary Christian Academy student to attend an Ivy League school.  He will also play football for the Big Green.  Dominick's humble yet competitve spirit, his relationship with his mother, Marie Jones, and his commitment to live for Christ will serve him well in the classroom and on the gridiron.

"I, the LORD, will hold your hand"

Isaiah 42:6 says, "I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand."  The Lord God who created the heavens and the earth and gave breath to you and me has called us to be a light and "to open blind eyes".  And, He promises to hold our hand and keep us, and set us apart to rescue those in darkness.

2010 has started out to be a test for many of our CCA friends and family on many different levels.  Whatever your degree of disappointment, might I remind you and comfort you with this promise, the God of all creation is right next to you, holding your hand.  He loves you.  God loves you!  God loves me!  And, He's called us to press on.  He's called us to be a light regardless of our circumstance.

Last week our varsity girl's soccer team lost in the district semi-finals 1 - 0 in the second overtime.  It was an incredible game and our girl's and coaches should be very proud.  After the game the teams prayed together, and as the parents looked on, you could sense some feelings of disappointment that are natural after a tough match.  But, I rejoice in knowing that these young ladies know that they're called to be more than just great soccer players.  They've been called by Almighty God to be a light in a dark world.  They took the opportunity to share the gospel during a very emotional time.  They may not have made the finals, but hearts may have been transformed for all eternity.  And I, along with the others parents, couldn't have been prouder.

New Year, same mission

CCA Athletics and Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale have a common calling to go and "make disciples."  Pastor Bob says we have been commissioned to partner with God in leading others to a life of faithfully following in the steps of the Savior Jesus Christ.

How do we do this in athletics?  Read, Pray, Serve.

The Scriptures provide all we need to equip others to walk with God.  As Pastor Bob described this weekend, the Bible shows us the way to live, the how to decide, and the what to think.  The Word of God is our playbook and coaching manual.

Prayer gives us access to the power of the Holy Spirit.  God's Spirit gives us the guidance, wisdom, conviction, and confidence we need to lead and disciple others.  Here's a shot from the post game prayer between CCA and Coral Springs Christian Academy.

Finally, we need to set an example for all believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.  We need to encourage regular interaction with God's family.  And, we need to help those who can't help themselves.  God wants to share His heavenly resources with those who can't help themselves.

2010 brings hope of new opportunity, but reminds us to remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).  See you at the Finish!