Category: Washington Nationals

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Learning From Baseball: A Choice Must Be Made!

The 2021 baseball season ended last night for the Washington Nationals. I started this series of posts without an idea of how many posts there would be. I definitely didn’t expect to find the LORD showing me so many spiritual truths through baseball.

Honestly, I don’t know why I’m surprised; He’s shown me on multiple occasions He doesn’t live inside our expectations but far beyond anything we can think or imagine. You’d think by now I’d expect the unexpected by now.

Anyway, here we are at the end of our series and I find myself circling back around to a bit of information I shared much earlier. It’s a perfect wrap up though.

The Washington Nationals are in the East Division of the National League. There are three divisions in the NL and there are five teams in each division. We’re not the only league. The American League also consists of three divisions with five teams in each. Every baseball team plays 162 games each season. Some of the games are inter-league, but the majority of those 162 games are played against your own league’s teams and a very high percentage of those games are played within your own division.

The ultimate goal of every team is to get into the play-offs. All play-off games are post regular season. The first goal is to win your division. If you don’t win your division, you might still win enough games to qualify as a Wild Card team. There are two Wild Card teams in each league. Post season games begin within your own league, but winning allows you to progress to the final series.

Even if you’ve never watched a single baseball game, you’ve heard of this series. You guessed it! It’s the World Series and is played between the best team of the season from each league.

Okay, if you’re a baseball fan, you understood what you just read. If you’re not a fan, what you read might be as clear as mud to you. Either way, stay with me.

This world is all about the battle between two kingdoms. One is the Kingdom of Heaven and the other is the kingdom of darkness. Here’s where there’s a BIG DIFFERENCE!

The Kingdom of Heaven has already defeated the kingdom of darkness.

The key players were Jesus and His followers and Satan and his followers. For a time, it seemed the followers of Satan were victorious when they crucified Jesus, but…

Three days later, Jesus was resurrected. He visited with many of His followers for forty days. Then, He ascended into heaven right before their eyes. He didn’t just leave though. He left verbal instructions with His followers — very specific instructions. He told them to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).

Here was my AHA moment. I was making the bed and thinking about how poorly our team has played this year. That’s when this came to me and I ran to write it down. People are all around us; in our neighborhoods, communities, counties, states, nation, and around the world, and they need to know there is a choice to be made. Multitudes of people have no idea they have a choice. They figure life is what it is. They don’t know Jesus has chosen them to be a part of His league and to play on one of the teams in His league. He knows their name and wants them to play on a team in His league; the Kingdom of Heaven League.

It’s our responsibility as Jesus-followers to tell them they have a choice to make. It’s our responsibility to live in such a way as to cause them to ask us questions.

Don’t discount the hardships in your life. Consider them opportunities. Yes! Consider them opportunities to exhibit Holy Spirit fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Count it as joy! Our times of trouble create opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus with others. They may not make the choice while you are together, but that is not on us. It’s our responsibility to share the Good News. It’s Holy Spirit’s role to prepare their hearts and grow the seeds we plant by sharing what we know about Jesus. We are not responsible for their choice; we are responsible for making sure they know they have a choice to make.

 Next week we will move into a new series.

Between Then and Now…

1 Read your Bible. Maybe read 1st Timothy. There are a total of six chapters. Ask Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply what you read.

2 Exercise. It’s cooler outside, so enjoy being outdoors. Don’t let yourself become so absorb in your activities that you are blind to those who are all around you.

3 Pray. Pray for everyone you see. It doesn’t have to be a long prayer. You don’t have to stop and bow your knee. Pray in the Spirit; let Him guide you in asking God’s blessing for the other person.

LORD, we thank You for the person who told us about the Good News of Jesus. Thank You for helping us understand what they were sharing and for allowing us to choose to be a part of Your league. Please do not let us become complacent in following Your command to make disciples. Give us courage to share You with others. Help us look for You and see You in our daily lives, so we can bear witness to who You are and what You are doing for us right here and now. May we never forget to offer others the choice of belonging to the winning league. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-15 (NLT)

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Learning From Baseball: The Roar of the Crowd

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 12:14-16 (NLT)

There’s nothing like being at a baseball game. The atmosphere is almost electric. The food is fabulous, and the comradery of everyone being there for the same reason is priceless.

We usually sit in “the nose bleed” section. It isn’t a bad place to be in Nationals Park, but it does mean we’re often seated with fans from the opposing team. But then, so are they, right?!

We’ve never once had any trouble with ugliness when attending a game. Why? Maybe it’s because we’re all focused on cheering for our players. We don’t waste our breath or our time fussing about the other team. We scream with excitement over our team’s successes and get loud with encouragement when they are struggling.

But there are times when tragedy happens too. We were there when Adam Eaton tore his ACL beating out a ball to first base. The entire stadium knew it was bad as soon as his foot hit the bag and he went down.

Everything went quiet. A heavy silence filled the air as we all took one collective breath and held it. We watched as the trainers, coaches, and managers ran onto the field. The players for both teams stood side by side on the fringes. After what seemed like forever, Adam was taken off the field. He was out for the remainder of the season.

Why am I telling you this and what does it have to do with us as Jesus-followers?

Opportunities for celebrating alongside, cheering for, and crying with those around us are often overlooked in the quest to be who we’re created to be. As a Christian community, we spend far too much of our resources, energy, and time on being the best we can be and leaving little margin for being interrupted by the successes, needs, or hurts of those around us.

We criticize, complain about, and categorize others without ever trying to understand their perspective. I’ve watched angry explosions of words spread like a deadly infection of gangrene as others liked and shared their spew of hatred on social media platforms.

We’ve begun to place such a high value on our own thoughts, feelings, and understandings, we have actually come to feel justified when…

We discount other’s hurts and we belittle their struggles.

Superiority quenches all compassion as we call them names and fume over their choices.

Instead of praying God’s grace and Holy Spirit’s healing for the broken places in their lives, we delight in their sorrows; all because they do not think as we think. We would never say it, but the truth is…

We see no value in them. We see no value in their lives.

And this breaks their Creator’s heart. It grieves His Spirit. And it is a slap in the face of all Jesus Christ did and gave to be in relationship with them. Yes! Them!

We have all sinned. We all need Jesus to save us. None of us see from the LORD’s perspective perfectly. We all need grace. We all need hope. We all need love. We all have hurts and need someone to understand we’re not trying to make a mess of our lives or anyone else’s.

Today’s verses remind us to celebrate when others celebrate and cry when others cry. To do that, we must first see them.

AND…

We must ask Holy Spirit to help us answer some hard questions.

Am I present in the lives of others? There to celebrate and cry? There to cheer? There to encourage? There to comfort? Am I there?

Do I genuinely celebrate when good things happen to others, or do I secretly wonder why they have received the blessing of whatever it is they’re celebrating?

Do I genuinely hurt when others are hurting, or do I secretly think they need to “pull up their big girl panties” and get over it?

Do I ignore the celebrations and/or hurts of others because I don’t want to be bothered with the personal discomfort or inconvenience it will require?

Are there times I secretly hope things will go badly for someone? Do I justify my lack of compassion for their situation because I have decided they deserved it?

Do I think the world could be a better place if everyone would just see things from my point of view?

If you’re like me, seeing these things written on the page are easy to recognize as thoughts and actions that bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit. The thing is, we have to recognize it in ourselves before we will apply 1st John 1:9 and begin the cleansing process. We won’t ask for help until we acknowledge we need it!

Next week we will conclude the Learning From Baseball series.

Between Then and Now…

1 Read your Bible. You might want to read the book of Jude this week. There is only one chapter in Jude, so read it daily. Ask Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply what you read. Ask Him to help you remember what you read after you put down your Bible and begin your day.

2 Exercise. Walk at least a few minutes every day. If you can get outside, even better! Look for evidence of God’s presence and blessings in your day. Every good gift comes from Him. (James 1:17)

3 Pray. Tell God the things you love about Him (this is praise). Thank God for the good things in your life (this is thanksgiving). Ask Him to help others (this is intercession). Ask Him to help you and then use what He gives you!

LORD, You are love. Help us to see You and the evidence of Your love in our lives. Then help us to reflect Your love in the way we see and interact with the people You put in our lives each day. Help us to see beyond the surface to the person inside. Help us to truly celebrate with and cry alongside one another. Humble our hearts so we will live in harmony with You and with others. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:29b-32 (NLT)

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Fun Facts:

Nats fans celebrate each runs with what has become a traditional NATS cheer: N! A! T! S! NATS! NATS! NATS! Woooo! I’m sorry I’m unable to show you the motions, but you can be sure I participate with voice and actions after every single run. Yes, even at home.

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Learning From Baseball: Stranded!

Last Monday morning, I attempted to express what I was not yet able to fully grasp. Then, Tuesday night’s game happened and collided with Wednesday morning’s time with God; reading His word and talking to Him about what He said there.

What happened during that game? The Nats lost, again. But they didn’t just lose, they stranded eight runners. Eight players got on base, but never got any help from the following batters. They never scored!

What happened during my time with God? He reminded me of the stranded runners, and He helped me understand the missing link of last Monday’s post. Yes, I knew something was missing, but I couldn’t figure it out. Then I succumbed to the pressure of my own self-imposed Monday deadline.

I’m sorry I didn’t understand this fully last week, but the point of the message Holy Spirit was trying to share with me in Ephesians 6:18 was not only sacrifice. It was about doing our part.

What helps you, helps me. What helps me, helps you.

AND…

Praying helps both of us because it invites the Creator of our vast universe, Almighty God, to help us. Praying is our acknowledgement of His ability to help. Praying is us asking for His grace to supply for our every need. But that’s not all, His grace brings His goodness into our lives; we cannot even imagine the good things He has for us. That’s what we’re asking God to give us and others when we approach His throne of grace.

We are one body. My armor is for me to wear, but when I don’t wear it, I’m vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes and therefore make you vulnerable. When I don’t hold up my shield, I leave you exposed too. When I wildly swing God’s word around, it’s cuts you. It’s supposed to protect us and cut through the lies of the enemy. When I neglect to pray, I make myself a target for the enemy. When I neglect to pray for you, I leave you stranded.

Prayer requires intimacy with the One we are praying to and an intimacy with the one we’re praying for. We must know one another’s needs before we can ask for them.

OR

We can ask Holy Spirit to help us pray when we don’t know what to pray for. That’s right!

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)

When we don’t know what God wants us to ask for, the Spirit pleads for us in harmony with God’s own will. Holy Spirit actually asks God for what God wants to give us.

God has so much He wants to give us, but we never ask Him to give it, or we never ask Holy Spirit to help us pray during times we don’t even know what to ask for.

The more we know of God and His word, the more we know how to ask for what He wants to give us.

I’m going to leave you with three quotes. I think each one speaks directly into the topic of prayer, running with endurance, and being sure not to leave anyone stranded.

“If you’re ignorant of God’s word, you will always be ignorant of God’s will.”

Billy Graham

“Heaven is filled with answers for which nobody ever bothered to ask.”

Billy Graham

“Faith is measured by movement.”

Dr. Tony Evans

We were created to be inter-dependent. Not independent; not co-dependent. We’re meant to encourage and support one another in our faith, but our relationship with God through Jesus is individual and cannot come through anyone else but Jesus. We’ll talk more about that next week.

Between Then and Now…

1 Read your Bible. Maybe read 1st John this week. There are only five chapters and should be readable in a week. Remember to pray before you read and ask Holy Spirit to help you understand what God’s was saying and how you can use what you learn.

2 Exercise. Choose three arm exercises. Put on your armor, practice holding up your shield, and take your sword. Remember to be intentional with your movements and don’t just swing wild; you don’t want to cut yourself or other Jesus-followers. Your intention is to expose places the enemy is seeking to distort truth.

3 Pray. Ask Holy Spirit to help you maintain an attitude of prayer throughout each day. Ask Him to make you aware of God’s presence, and help you communicate freely and frequently with Him about everything.

I’m praying for you and for myself. Holy Spirit, help us to see God’s will for us. Give us humble hearts, so we will ask for what our heavenly Father has to give us. Teach us to be aware of His presence. At the same time, teach us to be alert to those around us, their needs, and how we can encourage and support them. Help us ask for help from You, LORD, and from others. Make us lights in a dark world. Give us boldness to share You and the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know Him. And, LORD, please do not let us ever forget to be thankful for all You have given us or without our praise for who You are. Show us Your glory and teach us to live lives that cause others to see and glorify You! Amen.

Digging Deeper:

Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:2c-3 (NLT)

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Learning from Baseball: It’s A New Day and A New Game!

Key Verse:

This is the day the Lord has made.
    We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 (NLT)

Last week, the Washington Nationals were six and a half games back from winning the division. This week they are nine games back. The players are visibly losing their joy in the game. They’re making rookie errors and forgetting their fundamentals. Their forward progress isn’t just about the game, but about the way they’re playing the game. They’re walking onto the field wearing yesterday’s defeat.

While baseball is just a game, it gives me, you, and every other Jesus-follower a clear picture of the importance of turning our eyes forward. In Nehemiah the people heard and understood the reading of God’s word and were broken hearted over their sin. Read what the LORD said to His people in Nehemiah 8:10c.

Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!

They acknowledged and grieved their sin, but they were also feeling defeated and unable to change their ways. The LORD reminded them their strength was in rejoicing in Him.

Look at their response in Nehemiah 8:12.

So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.

The people were no longer looking at their sin, but God’s gracious forgiveness and unfailing love. They were able to celebrate the freedom from their sin and His presence for the future.

The writer of Hebrews also wrote about this. Look at Hebrews 12:1b-2a.

let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

The past is done and cannot be undone. The consequences of past sins have already been set in motion. We can and must learn from our past, but we must also strip it off and turn our eyes toward Jesus. Afterall, we’re Jesus-followers and it’s awfully hard to follow someone when we’re not looking at them.

How do we strip it off? John tells us clearly in 1st John 1:9.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Our relationship with Jesus is secure from the beginning, but our ability to follow Jesus depends on our willingness to strip off what holds us back and slows us down. Keeping our eyes on Jesus not only helps us follow well, but it also helps us see the differences between our way and His. It helps us discern what needs to be stripped off and left behind.

We strip them off by confessing (agreeing with God about what is right). He does the forgiving and the cleansing.

I always envision this cleansing process as a pitcher of red water being overflowed by a continuous flow of clear water until the pitcher is finally filled and overflowing with clear water.

God doesn’t just remove our sin; He changes our desires as we agree with Him and delight in Him. The more we know Him, the more we delight in Him, and the more our desires mirror His. We stop choosing the world’s way of attaining joy and peace, and our lives no longer overflow with the redness of sin but the pure living water of Jesus and His Spirit living inside of us.

This brings us back to our reason for taking hold of the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. We’ll look more deeply into using both of those next week.

Between Then and Now…

1 Read your Bible. Ask for Holy Spirit’s help in understanding what you read. Intentionally look for words that describe God and His ways. Remember, Jesus is God in the flesh and Holy Spirit is God living in you. Remind yourself of whose you are whenever you feel defeated!

2 Pray. Apply 1 John 1:9 daily. Grieve over any sin in your life, but don’t wallow in shame. Agree with God over it and then rejoice as you move away from your past and follow Jesus.

3 Memorize Romans 8:1-2. Write these verses on a card and carry them with you or post them where you will see them throughout the day. Read them repeatedly and begin to hide them in your heart. Our enemy wants you to hide from God instead of walking joyfully with Jesus and by His Spirit.

Digging Deeper:

Psalm 37:4, Isaiah 1:18, Romans 8:38-39, Galatians 5:22-25, Ephesians 6:10-18 & Philippians 3:12-14

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Learning from Baseball: How to Hold On To Your Progress

Key Verse:

But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Philippians 3:16 (NLT)

I know I told you we’d look at the shield and sword today, but I realized I needed to back up a tat. So…

Let’s talk about Major League Baseball standings. I have no idea who keeps them up to date, but I do know they are kept current. No matter the team you’re following, you can find their win-loss record, winning percentage, and how many regular-season games your team needs to win to participate in postseason play. **

For example, the Washington Nationals are an MLB team in the East division of the National League. Their current win-loss record is 49-56. Their winning percentage is .467. They’re 6.5 games back from the New York Mets who are leading the NL East division. They’re also back 10.5 games from having a place in the playoffs this season. ***

The Nationals are fourth in their division, but just barely six weeks ago they were second in their division. They did not hold their position and are not doing well.

What does any of this have to do with those of us who are Jesus-followers?

Nothing and everything!

Nothing to do with Jesus-followers because Christ Jesus has won the war against sin and death. That never changes. No matter what, our relationship with God has been secured through Christ Jesus. We will spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Everything to do with Jesus-followers because we are fighting a million little individual battles every single day. Skirmishes fought between our spirit and our flesh. Battles against our enemy’s schemes to destroy the life Jesus paid to give us here on earth. Our enemy cannot win the war, but he will escort us to a place of misery and despair if we are not self-controlled and alert; if we are not walking by the Spirit.

That’s why Paul told the church at Philippi to hold on to their progress. Look at what he wrote…

But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Philippians 3:16 (NLT)

That’s also why Paul told the church in Ephesus to stand firm against the enemy. Look at what he wrote…

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)

This is a big deal! I fully confess to not having achieved this, but I’m gaining clarity. I want to practice holding on to the progress. But how? We get a clue by backing up one verse. Read Ephesians 6:10.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

This is key! Our strength and power must come from the LORD.

I don’t know about you, but this has been a great reminder. I will never again check the team standings without being reminded to hold on to the progress Jesus and I have made on your journey together.

Next week we’re going to look at what to do when we realize we’ve not held onto our progress. The week after, we’ll look at how to use our shield and our sword.

Between Then and Now…

1 Keep putting on your belt, body armor, shoes, and helmet. Be intentional about each piece.

2 Read your Bible every day. Ask Holy Spirit to give you understanding of the words you read and how to apply them. Remember not to get hung up on how much you’re reading. This is about understanding and using what you learn.

3 Pray daily. Ask Jesus to help you see the places in your life where you are not holding onto your progress and are no longer standing firm. Ask Him to help you depend on His strength and power instead of your own.  

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

** “Throughout the baseball season, the positions of the 30 MLB teams are tracked through the standings. Each team competes in the American or National League in one of three divisions — East, West or Central. In addition to its win-loss record and winning percentage, the standings indicate how many regular-season games a team needs to win to secure one of the eight slots available for postseason play.” https://www.sportsrec.com/337903-longest-winning-streaks-in-baseball-history.html

*** https://www.espn.com/mlb/standings

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Learning from Baseball: What You Wear Is Important!

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17 (NLT)

A Washington Nationals batter got hit in the face by a pitch last week and got me to thinking about happened to Giancarlo Stanton.

Stanton made his Major League Baseball debut with the Miami Marlins in 2010. He played right field, but it was his strength with the bat that was most impressive.

Then in 2014, Stanton’s season came to an abrupt end after he was hit in the face by a pitch during the fifth inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Stanton suffered multiple injuries including facial lacerations, facial fractures, and dental fractures.

We were watching that game, and I still remember the horror of it. Imagine my surprise when he returned to baseball the very next season.

Things had changed, though. His batting helmet was redesigned and wrapped around to cover and protect more of his face. Today, many baseball players choose to wear this more protective batting helmet.

Protective wear is nothing new. In fact, Paul wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus and told them some very specific things to wear against their opponent. He called it armor; specifically, the armor of God. He lists six pieces; the belt, body armor or breast plate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword.

Four pieces are for the protection of specific parts of the body. Remember, if you’re a Jesus-follower, you are a part of the body of Christ.

The belt wraps around the mid-section and protects the kidneys. Kidneys are filters. They remove toxins so they expel instead of absorb into our bodies and poison us. Just like knowing Jesus and the truth of God’s word helps us filter out the lies and half-truths of the enemy.

The body armor covers the upper body and protects our heart and lungs. We need both to live. There is life in the blood pumped through our bodies by our hearts. Our lungs take the air we breathe in, separates and transfers the oxygen into our bloodstream, and expels the carbon dioxide when we breathe out. Just like the righteousness we receive from Jesus gives us a new heart and new life and Holy Spirit helps us use what is beneficial and get rid of what is not.

The shoes cover our feet and give us stability and protection. Just like Jesus covers us, gives us His peace, and stabilizes us in the storms of life, so we can to carry and share the Good News of Jesus with others.

The helmet protects our head. Our head is where our brain is and our brain controls our body. Just like what we believe about Jesus will control everything we do in this life and where we spend eternity.

Let’s save the shield and the sword for next week.

Between Then and Now…

1 Take time to read a little bit of God’s word (the Bible) every single day. Ask Holy Spirit to help you understand how what you read applies to your life and then use what you learn.

2 Practice putting on your armor every single morning. Name each piece as you put it on. Envision the protection of each.

3 Practice looking for evidence of God at work in your life. Be ready to share the hope of Jesus with others!

Digging Deeper:

Leviticus 17:11; John 8:32; John 16:33; Romans 3:23-30; Romans 8:1-2; Romans 10:14-17; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 12:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:16, 22-25; Philippians 4:6-8

Fun Facts:

Giancarlo Stanton still holds the record for the fastest off-bat home run in the history of baseball on May 12, 2012.

He also holds the record for most total home runs hit in the Home Run Derby event.

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Learning from Baseball: Don’t Give Up Before It’s Over!

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Romans 5:1-11

Key Verse:

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

I started calling the Washington Nationals the Comeback Kids back in their early years. Why? Because they keep on playing hard to the end of every game. They don’t stop trying when they’re not playing well and the other team is winning. They dig deep and keep playing. They don’t dwell on the last game, the last inning, or even the last play. They don’t always win the game, but it’s never because they didn’t give it their all.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the word endurance and what it means to me as a Jesus-follower. The writer of Hebrews tells Jesus-followers to run with endurance in chapter 12.  Paul tells Jesus-followers endurance develops strength of character, but I often neglect to remember what develops endurance. Look again at Romans 5:3.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

Problems and trials help Jesus-followers develop endurance!

This verse is very clear. Problems and trials are what help me (and you) develop endurance. Endurance is developed in the life of a Jesus-follower. It’s like old school film going through a process of chemicals BEFORE the image is visible. Problems and trials are part of the process of making the image of Jesus Christ visible in us.

I’m glad there is purpose behind the problems and trials we are facing, but I’m even happier endurance is not the end of the story for us. Endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

We who are Jesus-followers can rejoice when we run into problems and trials. Why? Because a confident hope of salvation is being developed in us. And…

Holy Spirit fills our hearts with His love and reminds us we are dearly loved by God.

This week…

1 Prayerfully read Hebrews 12:1-4 every day. Ask Holy Spirit to help you more fully understand just what Jesus endured for you and be encouraged by His great love for you. (I’ve included these verses at the bottom of today’s post.)

2 Be intentional. Notice those things you consider to be problems and trials. Then, choose to rejoice in what God is using those problems and trials to develop in you.

3 Ask Jesus to give you an opportunity to tell someone about the hope that is in you. Then be boldly confident in Jesus and seize the opportunity when it comes.

Digging Deeper:

John 16:33; Ephesians 6:7; Philippians 1:6; 2:13; 4:4; James 1:2-4 & 1 Peter 3:15

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. Hebrews 12:1-4 (NLT)

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Learning From Baseball: The Third D

Key Verse:

But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. Galatians 5:15 (NLT)

Several years ago, the Washington Nationals made a trade for a new closer. He was a great closer, but he was not a great teammate. His angry attitude, gestures, and words would quickly escalate from verbal to physical altercations between him and opponents, umpires, and teammates. Suspensions and fines were given, but the attitude did not improve. Fans actually offered to pay thousands of dollars to the charity of choice if the Nationals would let him go. He asked to be released from his contract the following year, and the Nationals released him despite the amount they still owed on his contract.

A few years later, a one-year contract was signed with another player who brought his golden glove and a great attitude to the team. He was always smiling and speaking encouragement to those around him. Whenever interviewed, he spoke highly of his teammates, their abilities, and how much they meant to him. He initiated celebration over good plays and spoke kindly about errors or disappointing at bats. The fans loved him and fun was always part of every game.

Both attitudes were contagious, but they were not both beneficial. One nearly crippled the team while the other ignited the team’s energy and desire to keep giving their all.

What does any of this have to do with us as Jesus-followers? I think it has everything to do with what Paul was addressing in Galatians. We must be alert to the way we speak to and about others or we will disable them.

God’s written word, the Bible, is filled with admonishment about the power of words. Reminders contrasting critical words with kind words. Encouraging words with discouraging words. We’re told to speak words that give grace to those who hear them. Why? Grace actually strengthens us in times of weakness.

Yes! If grace is sufficient for strengthening our weaknesses, then speaking grace is very important!

What we say is important! What we listen to is important!

Even the words we speak to ourselves are important!

Any word you and I believe about ourselves will influence our actions. Why? Because every action comes from who we believe ourselves to be.

What we believe about our identity will either enable us our disable us.

This week:

1 Pay close attention to what God says about those who belong to Him, those who are IN Christ, when you read your Bible.

2 Be alert to the words you speak to others. Do your words encourage others to believe what God says about who they are? Do your words tear others down or build them up?

3 Be alert to the words others speak to you. Are they truth according to God’s word? If not, do not repeat them to yourself, but replace them with truth.

Digging Deeper:

John 8:32, Romans 8:1-2, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 & Hebrews 12:12-13

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Learning from Baseball: Training to be Thoughtless?

Key Verse:

 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)

I first heard the words muscle memory when I played handbells. But muscle memory isn’t just for musicians.

muscle memory NOUN

the ability to reproduce a particular movement without conscious thought, acquired as a result of frequent repetition of that movement.

Oxford Dictionaries · Cortana · Bing Translator

Trea Turner is the starting short stop (SS) for the Washington Nationals and was first called up from their Triple-A team back in 2015. Trea was already a great SS, but his muscle memory included what’s known in baseball as a double clutch.

double clutch

When a fielder – usually an infielder or a catcher – draws his arm back twice before throwing he’s said to “double clutch”. This hesitation often leads to a delayed or late throw, allowing runners to advance a base. The term is borrowed from a method of shifting gears on an automotive vehicle.

Glossary of baseball (D) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A double clutch can mean the difference between success and failure. Yikes! Trea was told he needed to stop double clutching his throws.

Remember, muscle memory is “the ability to reproduce a movement without conscious thought.”

Trea could no longer throw a ball without thinking or he would double clutch.

He had to unlearn the old muscle memory WHILE making a new muscle memory.

How? By paying attention and being intentional every time he threw a ball.

What does this have to do with Jesus-followers? A lot!

I’m learning there is a direct connection between my muscle memories and my ability to follow Jesus. I’ve been shocked by how much I say or do by muscle memory (without conscious thought). And I’ve discovered something else.

By pinpointing my muscle memories and their results, I’m able to draw a line between the two and see where I need to make new muscle memories.

So, if repetition creates muscle memory, you and I (we) must pay attention to the things we do repeatedly.

Practice only brings benefit when we practice doing things the right way. Does that mean we shouldn’t try if we can’t do something right the first time? Absolutely not!

Each time we practice something new, we increase our repetitions and strengthen our new memory muscles.

AND…

Each time we practice something new, we let go of (unlearn) a little bit more of the old.

This week…

1 Intentionally notice the things you do using muscle memory (those things you do without thinking). Begin drawing a line between your muscle memories and their results.

2 What muscle memory do you need to stop practicing. Ask Jesus to help you see what new muscle memory He wants you to begin practicing instead.

3 Share with another Jesus-follower. Ask them to pray for you to persevere as you practice. Yes, I realize this is scary to do, but do it anyway. You’ll be glad (later).

Digging Deeper:

Romans 12:2, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 3:13-14

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In case you’re wondering, Trea no longer throws with a double clutch.

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Learning from Baseball: Training

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

Last week, we looked at the spiritual parallel between every Major League Baseball (MLB) player receiving and accepting an offer to play and every Jesus-follower receiving and accepting The Offer to follow Jesus.

Did you know each new MLB player starts in the Farm System? They do! There are six farm teams that are Minor League Baseball affiliates for each major league team. Each of the six farm teams represents a division in the farm system and those teams are ranked from Rookie to Triple-A. The players on these teams play against other teams in their division.

Not every new player stays in the farm system the same amount of time. For example, Bryce Harper first signed with the Washington Nationals in 2010 and quickly moved through their farm system. He began the 2012 baseball season with their Triple-A team but finished that same season as a member of the Washington Nationals starting roster.

Did Bryce have more things to learn even after he started playing in the major league? Yes! Did he learn them? Yes! He learned some things quicker than others, but he definitely learned through the system and is continuing to learn today. Yes, Bryce still plays professional baseball. He is currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies and continues to mature as a player and as a person.

What’s the spiritual parallel?

When we first accept Jesus’ offer of salvation and choose to follow Him…

We all start in the same place.

We all need training.

We will always be active participants even while we train.

Just like baseball players are learning through the farm system while playing other equally matched teams in the system, we will be actively following Jesus and intentionally learning from Him as we follow.

God uses several training methods as well. One is His written word, the Bible; another is Holy Spirit, who dwells within every Jesus-follower. Other Jesus-followers like pastors and teachers and other learners help us learn. We learn while we live. Living well requires practice and time. Some lessons we will learn quicker than others. Some of us will move quickly through the initial training, but none of us will ever quit learning or practicing or using our training.

We’ll talk more about practicing what we learn next time.

Between Then and Now…

1 Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Make it a priority to read some of the Bible every single day and discover the benefits of reading God’s word.

2 Read Psalm 119:11. Why do you think learning God’s word helps us make right choices?

3 Read Romans 12:1-2. Talk to Jesus and ask Him to help you see the areas of your life where you need to stop conforming and allow His word to bring transformation.

Digging Deeper:

Galatians 5:25, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 5:11-13 & 1 Peter 2:1-3

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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