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!