"It's not what you do, it's who you are"

What's your reputation?  What are you known for?  In Titus 1:5-9, Paul gives us his reason for living.  As a servant of God, committed to obey God, Paul spent his life telling others about Christ.  This was who Paul was.  I encourage you to go through these verses (Titus 1:5-9) and notice that the leadership qualifications involve character, not knowledge or skill.

Last week, a parent from The King's Academy called to say she was so impressed with the football teams sportsmanship and attitude that she had to call.  She congratulated the team on a well played game, but what got her attention was one of our players approaching her son after the game to have a conversation. She said she looked around and all the players were partnered off talking to each other. I told her they were praying and briefly described the "one-on-one connection" discipleship plan. She said she had never seen anything like this before.  Even though we probably won the biggest game in the history of CCA, it's our character that will be remembered.

Here's an email I received this week from our Middle School football coach,

Chris, the coach from Ransom Everglades 6th grade football team, asked if I was involved with Athletics. He proceeded to tell me that he has been dealing with Calvary for the past three years and has always been so impressed with how we treat the people who visit for an athletic event and how we always make sure the right perspective is given.  He asked me to make sure our athletic department knew that and was very thankful. Then he said that we have been a great witness and that was coming from a team that has many Jewish families.

Finally, on Thursday, Dominick Pierre was interviewed on 560 WQAM because he was named the high school player of the week.  His stats were very impressive (6 touchdowns, over 300 yards rushing and receiving), but what was most noticeable was the class with which he conducted himself on the air.  He thanked the Lord, he thanked his mom, and he thanked his teammates.  Dominick is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

I pray this reminder that "it's not what you do, it's who you are" will encourage us to think less about ourselves and more about our relationship with Jesus.

It's not over till it's over

Leading by 21 points late in the fourth quarter is a good feeling.  It may even be a good time to relax and start concentrating on some other task.  Well, if you witnessed the finish to last Friday's football game against Pope John Paul II, you know what I mean when I say, "it's not over till it's over." 

The score was 47 - 26 with only a few minutes left in the game, but the enemy kept attacking.  They scored once, recovered an on-side kick, scored again, recovered an onside kick, and with 14 seconds to go, on a field so dark the referees turned the offense around so the last play would be directed toward a light in the parking area, the QB scrambled and as the time expired, he launched a desperation pass to an uncovered receiver standing on the 5 yard line, who ran it in for the score.  All the other team had to do to pull off the "impossible" comeback was kick the extra point and the game would have been tied.  Fortunately, for the CCA Eagles, their parents, and their fans the extra point was "no good".  CCA won 47-46.

I, along with the faithful crowd who endured the 3 hour and 20 minute game, felt excited to win, relieved we didn't lose, and curious about how this game got to be so close.  Was it too dark to see?  Did the other team play really well in the fourth quarter?  Or, did we simply lose focus and fail to execute down the stretch?

One thing we do know is the Christian walk can be just like this football game.  Just when things get comfortable and we start to feel good about our effort (and not the work of the Lord), darkness creeps in and the enemy has an opportunity to defeat us.  As Christians, we need to put on the armor of God and be prepared to battle until the clock shows 00:00 (or the final trumpet sounds).  Disciples of Jesus can never let up.  There can't be a day when we say, "I don't need to rely on Christ. I don't need to pray about my kids today.  I don't need to pray about how to use my time." (Search Light, John Courson) 

Let me encourage all of us to stand firm in the faith, be on guard, and be strong, especially if you think the battle is over.  In this world we will face trials and tribulations daily, but the good news is Jesus has overcome this world and the final battle IS over.  Jesus has won and offers ALL who believe an eternity of victories.

It's a miracle!

These past few weeks the entire CCA family has been praying for miracles - medical, spiritual, and physical. We asked the Lord to provide lungs for Rick Hornsby, to prepare the hearts of those who don't know Jesus, and to provide protection and valor for our football team as they played The King's Academy.

Just after noon time on Friday, we received news that a lung had become available for Rick (who had been on the donor list for only a few weeks).  And, later we found out that he would actually receive two lungs.  This was the beginning of a miraculous day.

Last year The King's Academy beat our football team 63-0.  This year the game may have been the greatest football experience in CCA history.  With the team trailing by 16 points with around four minutes to play, the Eagles mounted a "miraculous" comeback.  Tying the score with less than a minute to play and then winning in overtime, our young men will never forget how they pushed aside their fears, trusted God and each other, and triumphed 44-41.

But, if you've been following this blog, the God story continues to be about our mission to "Make Disciples" - raising up men and women willing to deny themselves daily, take up their cross, and follow Jesus.  When our players pray with the opposing team after a very emotional game and share the gospel, it puts what we've been called to do first.  I am so thankful for the team's commitment to represent Christ "at all times".  God continues to perform miracles... when people pray!

A rare eagle

On Thursday, the CCA boys varsity golf team improved their record to 9 wins and 1 loss with a victory over Coral Springs Christian and Westminster Academy.  Coach Fanning sent in this report,

God Moment: Johnny Jones made an EAGLE on the PAR 4 8th hole. Johnny holed it from 185 yards with a 3 wood!

Getting a two on a hole which usually requires four shots is a rare accomplishment, and I'm sure Johnny and his teammates were very excited.  But, the reason this is a God story has nothing to do with the team's record or the shot that when in the hole.

You see, three days before that match, Johnny's dad was telling me at CCA's "Back to School Night" that Johnny was thrilled to be sharing the gospel with his opponents while he was competing against them on the golf course.  He was living out the athletic department's discipleship challenge to make one-on-one connections, faithfully administering God's grace.  Now, that's something to get excited about.  So, this week's EAGLE AWARD goes to Johnny Jones... not so rare if you know Johnny.

Give it your all

So often in athletics we hear coaches encouraging athletes to "give it their all".  The Bible teaches if we want to follow Christ we must "surrender all".  And, this Friday when CCA celebrates it's 10th year, the theme of "CCA - 2 GR8R HEIGHTS" comes from Dueteronomy 6:5 which implores us to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

But, what does "all" look like?  Can we truly give enough of ourselves to make a difference?  That will depend upon what you are full of.  If you are full of pride, fear, and self, your "all" is insufficient.  If your heart, soul, and strength has been penetrated, saturated, and enpowered by the Holy Spirit, and you are willing to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus, then your "all" will impact your life as well as others around you.

This year the basketball program has adopted Luke 9:23 (quoted above) as the team verse.  My prayer is for the players to clothe themselves in humility and to be filled with the Spirit, so when they give their all, Christ will be exalted.  What does your all look like?  It depends on who you love and what's in your heart.

Set an example

Thanks to all the Calvary Christian faithful who came out after a frightening thunderstorm last night and witnessed a very solid performance by the football team who defeated visiting Southside Christian 37 - 14. But, this week's God story isn't about the football team or about the weather.  It's about the girls varsity volleyball team. 

Yes, the team is 4 - 1.  And, yes, they have many dominant players.  But, it's the outreach and ministry off the court that is starting to "set an example" for others teams to follow.  After Saturday morning's workout, the girl's visited for the second time the Grand Court Village, a local convalesent home.

Spending time with those in need is what God has called us to do.  Not only does it brighten up the day for those who rarely receive visitors, but it put's life in perspective as our girl's ponder health, wealth, and companionship.

I'm proud of our coaching staff and our girls for setting an example in conduct and in love.  Service aces, digs, blocks, and kills may receive the applause and the headlines, but sharing the love of Christ with someone in need and putting others first is discipleship and at CCA... "that's what we do!"

"...time to do the Lord's work"

After enduring more than an hour rain delay, the CCA football fans were treated to a very exciting, offensively charged football game last Friday at Pine Crest.  Parents, teachers, and some very enthusiastic students filled the stands in support of the players and coaches.  But, again, it's the action after the game that has the fans focusing on the middle of the field.

As the clock was running out, Pastor Topher over heard Sean Lashbrook telling another player, "Now it's time to do the Lord's work."  In what is becomming the most watched play of the night, the CCA players and coaches make one on one connections with the opposing team and pray.  Even the fans pause their post game planning and evaluations and begin to pray for the ministry at hand.  God is doing a mighty work in the hearts of our players, and their obedience "AT ALL TIMES" is having an impact for Christ not only on CCA's campus, but in schools across the state.

Brandon Knight, the nation's top basketball prospact and Pine Crest student, attended last Friday's game.  He wore a Nike t-shirt with the word "WITNESS" written accross the chest.  Usually, this refers to watching, or being an eye witness to, someone with exceptional talent or skill.  As I watched the Spirit of the Lord work in the middle of the football field, I was so thankful to be a "witness" to that which holds eternal rewards.