Category Archives: News

“…those who live as we do.” (Phil 3:17)

While in the pocket, quarterbacks must keep their eyes downfield even as the pass rush comes close. If they bring their eyes to the pocket, they see only onrushing defenders and miss open receivers.

What we allow our eyes to see should be closely monitored. “But if you do not do right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Gen 4:7) We must be a master of our own bodies including our eyes. As the old song says, “Be careful little eyes what you see.”

There was only one born leader…Jesus. Every other leader develops over time. Some leaders can be described as good; some as bad. Some leaders are effective; while others are ineffective. Some lead from out front; others from less conspicuous position. But leading requires traveling the path you would influence others to travel. If the leader in any organization wants the team to serve, then the leader must serve.

Jesus modeled servant leadership. He didn’t say “Do as I say, not as I do,” He said, “Be perfect, therefore, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matt 5:48). While we can not be perfect on our own, we can be made perfect as we surrender our will to that of our Heavenly Father.

Every coach, whether offense or defense, wants their player to have hands inside when engaged. This desire stems from a knowledge of physics and leverage. The coach’s desire is for their player to be productive in the game of football. Simply stated, it’s the best way to play in order to be successful.

God has a similar desire for our lives. He wants us to do things the best way. He gave us a playbook to follow called the Bible. The Bible has instructions for every situation and every component of life…physical life, thought life, spiritual life, emotional life and perhaps most importantly eternal life. What a gift to have a Coach who always tells us how to do things the best way.

To really know someone, we must spend time with them. Seeing how one responds and reacts reveals character and nature. Having dialogue similarly provides insight. All relationships require communication to deepen. Coach Hoza, his staff and the Calvary Christian Academy football team began reading through the 260 chapters in the new testament at the beginning of spring practice. Each morning one chapter is read providing God a chance to speak to each member of the program.

God has a distinct advantage in His relationship with us. He knew us before we were formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5), knows every hair on our head (Matthew 10:30) and knows the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). Even still God desires to hear from us in prayer. He tells us we should always pray (Luke 18:1) and to let Him know about everything (Phil 4:6). The Eagles begin and end practice with prayer. Who prays more during practice – players, coaches or trainers – is much debated.