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!