Local Area FCA Blog

A Worth Walk

A Worthy Walk

Collegiate Game Day Devotional

Game Day Week 5

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Advance into the Storm

Cultivating Culture

Week One Devotional: Bear Fruit Scripture "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." — John 15:8 (NIV) Go Deeper  Before you ask your players to trust a process, ask yourself the same question: are you staying connected to the vine, or are you trying to produce fruit on your own strength? A long season will test that. There will be officiating calls that make your blood boil, parents who question your play-calling, a locker room that doesn't click right away, a gut-punch loss you didn't see coming. None of that is new to coaching. What's new is Week One — a fresh chance to decide where your strength comes from before the season demands an answer. Staying connected doesn't mean less intensity. It means your intensity is rooted in something that outlasts a scoreboard. For Your Team Consider opening this verse up with your players this week — not as a sermon, but as a framework for the season: Fruit takes time. Nobody sees a harvest in Week One. The habits you build now — how you finish sprints, how you talk to teammates when you're gassed, how you respond to correction — are the roots. The fruit shows up later, maybe in November, maybe next year. Fruit is evidence, not effort. A stressed-out branch doesn't force an apple into existence. Staying connected — showing up, doing the work, trusting the process, trusting each other — is what produces something real. Chasing the fruit itself (the stat line, the ranking, the scholarship) without staying rooted in the daily work is a fast way to burn out. Fruit glorifies the vine, not the branch. The verse doesn't end at "bear much fruit" — it ends with "showing yourselves to be my disciples." Ask your guys: who gets the credit when this team does something special? A program that plays for something bigger than itself tends to play free. A Question to Sit With What's one root you need to strengthen this week — not a stat, not a scheme, but a daily habit or connection — so that the fruit later in the season is real and not forced? Prayer Lord, thank You for another season and another team to lead. Help me stay connected to You before I try to produce anything on my own strength. Give me patience for the process, humility in the wins, and steadiness in the losses. Let whatever fruit comes from this season — on the field and in these young men's lives — point back to You. Amen.

As we conclude our journey through John Wooden's Pyramid of Success, this week is dedicated to reflection and application. It's a time to consider how each principle we've explored can be lived out in alignment with our Christian faith, especially within the context of coaching. Let's take this opportunity to look back on what we've learned and set intentions for how we will carry these lessons forward. Wooden's Wisdom: John Wooden's approach to success was not just about winning games but about building character and leading a life of purpose. As we reflect on his teachings, let's consider how each principle—from Industriousness to Faith and Sincerity—can guide us not only in our coaching but in our personal growth and spiritual journey. God's Reflection: "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'" (Matthew 25:21, CSB) "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, CSB) These scriptures remind us of the rewards that come from faithful service and the strength we find in God's presence, encouraging us to lead with courage and conviction. Application: As we reflect on our journey through the Pyramid of Success, let's identify the principles that have challenged us the most and consider why. How can we address these challenges moving forward? Let's set concrete goals for integrating these values into our coaching, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith and the lessons we've learned. Reflection Questions: Which of Wooden's principles have I found most challenging to integrate into my coaching? Why? How will I commit to applying these principles and my faith in my future coaching endeavors? Closing: As we close this chapter, let's carry forward the wisdom and insights we've gained, committed to applying John Wooden's principles and our Christian faith in all aspects of our coaching and lives. Here's to a future of continued growth, leadership, and success, both on and off the field.