Category: Perspectives

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Learning From Baseball: Make Your Choice!

Key Verse:

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NLT)

A Major League Baseball player chooses his bat very carefully. Why? His bat is his only offensive weapon in the game. His skill as a batter is either helped or hindered by the bat he chooses to use.

In the early days of MLB, players made their own bats. It wasn’t until 1884 that the first standard baseball bats were mass-produced.

What does this have to do with Jesus-followers?

A lot, really! Last week we talked a bit about the Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17b). We learned the first century Roman soldiers used a sword called a gladius. It is short, has a very strong sharp point, and is double-edged. We compared the gladius to what the writer of Hebrews said about the word of God (Hebrews 4:12). We closed with the truth of its purpose ringing in our ears: the word of God exposes our thoughts and desires to us so we can be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2).

But our gladius is useless to us until we take it.

To take something is to reach for and hold it. I (and you) must choose the sword of the Spirit before we will take the sword of the Spirit. It will not just hop into our hands. We take something on purpose, with intention.

To take requires action. We reach for AND we open and close our hand around something in order to take it.

The only way we can take the Sword of the Spirit is to choose to take it. I know, that seems like a no-brainer, but is it?

Every time we’re faced with the schemes of the enemy, we encounter a crossroad of decision. Are we going to leave our gladius strapped to our side, or are we going to take it out of its sheath and use it?

Today’s verse is the key to how we take the sword of the Spirit. We cannot go our own way (make our own bat) and be successful in our battles against the schemes of the devil.

Nope! We have to submit to God. How? By accepting His word is truth; all of it! Until we do, we will go our own way.

We must believe the word of God is truth before we will take it, and we must take it before we can use it. It is only when we use the word of God to make our choices, that we will be supernaturally successful in the spiritual battles of our lives. It is in embracing God’s word as truth, that we are able to resist our enemy and send him running.

Remember: Jesus Christ has already won the war for us, but our success in the battles still matter. We’ll talk more about that next week.

Between Then and Now…

1 Read your Bible. Maybe read the book of James this week. There are only five chapters, so you can read a chapter a day. Ask Holy Spirit to help you understand what you read and show you how to take it and use it.

2 Exercise. Choose a couple of lower body exercises to do each day. It takes strength to stand firm. Don’t forget to “be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)

3 Pray for yourself. Ask Jesus to help you see your thoughts and desires from His perspective. Ask Jesus to help you recognize the schemes of the enemy. Ask Jesus to help you choose and use the sword of the Spirit.

I’m praying for you and I’m praying for myself. LORD, it is so easy to miss the indicators of danger until they are upon us. Help us to be alert. Help us to stay close to You, agreeing with You and choosing your ways over our own. Help us to choose obedience to Your word when our thoughts and desires are different than Yours. We know Your word is truth, but our flesh is weak and it wants what it wants. It wars with our spirits and lures us away from You. Keep us close LORD. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (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

Fun Facts:

Louisville Slugger bats are no longer the brand most used in MLB. Marucci was the brand used most on opening day 2021. *

Wooden bats require more skill to use. Maple wood bats began to replace the Ash wood bats of the early days after Barry Bonds started using a maple wood bat. **

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.

* https://www.batdigest.com/mlb-bats/#:~:text=1%20Honus%20Wagners%20Bat.%20Honus%20Wagner%20used%20a,push%20that%20guy%20back%20in%20the%20majors.%20

** https://deadspin.com/how-maple-bats-kicked-ash-and-conq

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Learning from Baseball: Effective Offense Is Essential!

Key Verse:

and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6: 17b (NLT)

I’m pretty sure everyone understands getting on base is the only way to score points in a baseball game, and the only way to win a game is by scoring more points than your opponent. That means every batter needs to know how to correctly use his bat. But he must also learn to see and connect with the pitch to get a hit. Hits create opportunities to score.

Defense is played with a glove.

Offense is played with a bat.

Defense is played as a team.

Offense is played by one player at a time.

The same is true for us as Jesus-followers. Offense is played individually and not as a team. How effective we are in our offense will definitely impact others, but while defense is a team effort, offense is not.

Jesus-followers don’t use a bat.

We use a sword!

Paul used the imagery of first century Roman armor in his letter to the church of Ephesus because it was something they would understand. They were familiar with how each piece was worn and used.

We’ve already looked at the belt, the body armor, the shoes, and the helmet. We learned every soldier wore all four pieces for the purpose of protection.

Last week, we learned the shield, also known as the scutum, is useful for the protection of both the one holding it and those standing beside him.

This week we’re going to look at the sword and what it can teach us about how God’s word is meant to be used in the life of a Jesus-follower.

The sword of a first century Roman soldier was called a gladius. It was not large, but it was extremely sharp, double edged, and the point was so strong and sharp it could pierce an opponent’s armor.

A gladius was worn at all times, but it was only used during close combat with the enemy.

The sword of the Spirit is the word of God. It’s our gladius and our only offensive piece of armor.

Read what the writer of Hebrews wrote about the word of God.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

Sounds very much like the gladius, doesn’t it? But what really catches my attention is what it exposes when it cuts. Read that part again.

“It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

Now, read what James wrote about the relationship between temptation and desires.

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 (NLT)

Our own desires entice and drag us away.

Okay, before we stop for the day, let’s go back to today’s verse one more time. Notice whose sword it is we’re told to take.

It’s the sword of the Spirit!

This tells me (and you), our best offense begins with reading God’s word and allowing Holy Spirit to use His sword to expose our thoughts and desires. Exposing the places we are weak and vulnerable. Places where our enemy can do harm. When wielded by the Spirit, the word of God exposes the places where our flesh is still controlling our thoughts. Places where our desires leave us vulnerable to temptation.

Next week, we’ll look at what it looks like to take the sword.

Between Then and Now…

1 Read your Bible, your gladius, every day. Read the book of Ephesians again. Read one chapter a day and be alert to whatever the Spirit exposes. Don’t forget to pray first. Ask for Holy Spirit understanding.

2 Exercise. Choose one Bible verse and practice memorizing it while doing butterfly arm exercises. Why? God’s word changes the way we think and leads to transformed lives. (Romans 12:2)

3 Apply 1st John 1:9 to every exposed place. Remember! Be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power and allow your weak places to become the places where He is strong. (Ephesians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 & Zechariah 4:6)

I’m praying for you. I’m also praying for me. May we learn to wear and use our spiritual armor. LORD, give us eyes to see and ears to hear what it is You are teaching us through Your written word. Help us to cooperate with Your transforming work in our lives by reading Your word. Holy Spirit, we invite You to expose our innermost thoughts and desires to us. We ask You to help us understand what You reveal and quickly agree with You without hesitation or argument. Help us forgive ourselves as You forgive us. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 (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: Defense First!

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Ephesians 6:16 (NLT)

There are nine innings in the typical baseball game and there are two halves in every inning. The first half of every inning begins with the visiting team playing offense and the home team playing defense.

Offense is played from the batter’s box by one team member at a time.

Defense is played on the field by all nine players in the lineup.

Offense is the only way for a team to score runs; runs are needed to win the game.

Defense is the only way to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

Offense is played with a bat.

Defense is played with a glove.

Three weeks ago, we took a quick look at the four pieces of God’s armor meant to be worn by every Jesus-follower. We compared the physical and spiritual places of our lives those pieces of armor protect (when worn).

Today, we’re looking at the shield of faith. A shield is not worn; a shield is held. It is mobile and controlled by the one holding it.

The shield of faith has one purpose in the life of a believer. Defense! From what? The fiery arrows of the devil. These are spiritual arrows aimed at the exposed and vulnerable places in our lives. Why? Our enemy wants us to fall back into our old ways of doing.

The sole purpose of fiery arrows is to create doubt in the One we’re following and send us running back to the ease of complacency and the misery of living to please ourselves.

Fiery arrows burn deep into our souls and kill us from the inside out.

Fiery arrows are dipped in defeat, discouragement, and depression.

Fiery arrows are meant to prevent us from holding on to the progress we’ve already made in following Jesus.

So, how do we hold up our shield of faith?

Easy answer? By choosing to consistently seek and do what pleases God in every decision; obedience to the words and ways of God. If we’re doing this, there will be evidence of Holy Spirit fruit in our lives.

First century Ephesians were familiar with the Roman shield. It was called a scutum and designed for use as a unit. One soldier alone was not protected. That’s right! The scutum was useless unless the soldiers came together with their scutum to create a barrier. They would form a tortoise shell curve with the front line holding their shields up in front and the following lines holding their shields overhead. This barrier was a defense for both the entire unit and each individual soldier in the unit.  

Okay, I don’t know about you, but I’ve never understood this truth before now. Holding up the shield of faith is not just about me. It’s about every other Jesus-follower, too!

I’ve learned something new about the sword of a Roman soldier too! I’m excited about how it relates to us as believers, but let’s save the sword for next week.

Between Then and Now…

1 Read your Bible. I would challenge you to read the entire book of Ephesians. There are only six chapters, so one a day will not be too much for even the busiest of schedules. Remember to ask Holy Spirit to give you understanding of the words you read before you start reading.

2 Exercise your arms. We need strong arms to hold up our shields, so find a couple of arm exercises you can do. This will remind you to hold up your shield.

3 Pray! Ask Jesus to open your eyes to any areas of your life you’ve allowed your shield to drop. Those places where you are not being truly obedient to His words and ways. Those places where you are excusing your choices. These are the vulnerable places in your life; the places where our enemy can hurt you and others. Apply 1 John 1:9 immediately!

I’m praying for you! Yes, each one of you. I’m also praying for myself. LORD, may we not turn our eyes from the places where we have lowered our shields and allowed the enemy to compromise our choices. May we seek You and Your ways and faithfully follow You. May we be strong in Your mighty power. Give us the desire and the strength to do the hard work of holding up our shields and making new choices. May we no longer carry out the desires of the flesh when they are contrary to the words and ways of Jesus!

Digging Deeper:

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

Did you know Paul wrote the letter we now call the Book of Ephesians to the church in Ephesus while he was under house arrest in Rome? Did you know he wrote it for the sole purpose of encouraging them to not grow weary in their faith?

The first half of his letter was to remind them Jesus is our firm foundation. The second half of his letter was practical help on how to live faithfully by…

…living in unity with other Jesus-followers

…keeping the LORD first in every relationship

…recognizing and standing firm against the schemes of our enemy

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: Being Put on the IL

Today’s Scripture Passage:

James 5:13-20

Key Verse:

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 (NLT)

Major League Baseball teams put players who are unable to play on what’s called the Injured List (IL), and a player can be put on the IL for anything from sickness to severe injury. Depending on their malady, they can be on the IL anywhere from day-to-day to the remainder of the season. Some are simple injuries, others require time and therapy, some need surgeries. All require recovery time. The longer the recovery time, the more likely the player will spend time in the minor league before coming back up to the majors.

All of this is for the benefit of the player and the team. Sick or injured players are not able to properly fulfill the requirements of their position. The earlier an injury is recognized, the sooner his treatment begins, and the quicker he is back in the game. Hiding the injury doesn’t help the player or the team.

Jesus-followers need to be healthy too. Healthy bodies are important, but even more important are healthy hearts and minds. Sin gives birth to death, so we cannot allow ourselves to ignore or excuse our sin. We must be spiritually healthy in all our ways and in all our relationships.

The longer we ignore a sin in our lives, the stronger its hold on us becomes, and the deeper it seeps into our hearts. Left unattended, it infects our minds and our conscience is no longer pricked. We make excuses and dismiss our sin as inconsequential and unimportant. We become hardened to the relationship between our sin and the chaos in our lives.

Sin creates separation between us and others. The first sin created separation between Adam and Eve and not just between them and God. Yes! God’s grace covered the separation and shame of their sin, but it didn’t backup time and undo their sin or its consequences.

So how does the healing happen?

First…

We agree with God about our sin. We admit our sin is sin, and we go to Him for help.

This is repenting; turning away from our sin and to the LORD. His word tells us He is faithful and will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we confess our sins to Him.

FYI: God knows our hearts! He knows when we’re sorry for our sin. He also knows when we just want Him to take away the consequences of our sins.

Second…

We confess our sin struggle to a mature and faithful Jesus-follower.

This is NOT for the purpose of getting someone else to pray for us because Jesus won’t listen to us. Nor is it about getting someone else to MAKE us follow Jesus.

This is about asking someone to stand with us, encourage us to remain steadfast in following Jesus, and pray for us as we heal. This must be someone who will speak the truth in love to us during the removal and recovery process.

Third…

We must regularly evaluate our choices in the light of God’s word.

We will not recognize sin unless we know truth. God’s word is truth. Reading our Bible is essential. It transforms our minds and exposes the infection of sin. Reading our Bible is like a cancer patient getting a PET scan.

Once our sin is exposed, we go back to the beginning of the healing process and repeat.

This Week…

1 Read your Bible every day. Allow it to transform your mind with truth.

2 Talk to Jesus about what you read. Don’t be shy about your questions or fears or even the places you’re skeptical. He knows what you’re thinking, so be honest with yourself and with Him about it.

3 Pray for yourself daily. A good starting prayer is Ephesians 3:14-19.

Digging Deeper:

Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:22-23, Galatians 6:1, James 1:14-15, 1 John 1:9 & 1 John 2:16

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: Remember the Fundamentals!

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)

The basic fundamentals of baseball include catching, throwing, hitting (batting), and running. All four skills are necessary for success. All four must be practiced regularly. A player must remember to use their fundamentals in every single game.

What about Jesus-followers? What are the basic fundamentals we need to remember?

Jesus is the ONLY way anyone can be saved.

It’s NOT our good works that save us, and it’s NOT what Jesus did PLUS our good works that saves us.

Our works are only the result of our faith in Jesus; the One who has given us new life through His life, death, and resurrection.

Yes! There is work to be done. In fact, God planned for us to do good things long ago, but we can only accomplish those good works AFTER we have been made new in Jesus.

Warning! Our enemy would like nothing better than to deceive us into thinking we deserve what Jesus did for us; he knows this will make us complacent in our faith and lukewarm in our love.

So how do we combat complacency? We never let ourselves forget who Jesus is or what He has done for us. He is God in the flesh. He lived thirty years without sin, but willingly died on a Roman cross to pay the debt we owed for our sins. That’s right! He took our sins as His own. Then, in exchange for our sins, He gave us forgiveness, a new life, and His Holy Spirit to help us live in His freedom.

Remembering who Jesus is and what He has done for us will replace our complacency with faithful love.

Have you admitted your sin, confessed your sin, and received the forgiveness that is yours in Jesus? Jesus said those who are forgiven much will love much.

Jesus also said those who love Him will obey His commands. What are His commands? To love as He loved us, forgive as He has forgiven us, and to tell everyone about Him and how they too can become His followers.

Telling also helps us remember. Telling keeps us from becoming complacent in our faith!

One more thing, our good works do NOT secure our salvation.

Our salvation is already secure! We know this because Jesus said it is so. No one can earn their own salvation and no one who is in Jesus can be taken from Him. Jesus is NOT a liar; He is who He says He is and He always does what He says He will do!

This Week…

1 Read your Bible every day. Don’t get hung up on how much you’re reading. Just ask Holy Spirit to help you understand what you read and how it applies to your life.

2 Talk to Jesus every day. Be sure to tell Him one thing You admire about Him and one thing you are thankful He’s given you. Be intentional as you look for Him, so you can admire Him and thank Him for something new each day.

3 Tell someone you love Jesus and why.

Digging Deeper:

Matthew 28:19-20, John 1:1-14, John 14:6, 15, 23-26, Act 4:11-12, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-15, Galatians 3:1-4:7, Ephesians 2:1-10, Colossians 3:13, 1 John 1:9

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 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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