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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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Learning From Baseball: Be Alert to the Second D

Key Verse:

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 (NLT)

Today I’m going to share a thought I had about running the bases. We often see runners get tagged or forced out because they’re watching the ball while running. Runners do not need to watch the ball. The batter is supposed to run as hard and fast as he can toward first base, and as soon as he hits the ball. There’s no need to watch the ball. Why?

Right next to the first base is a First Base Coach. He’s there to make sure the batter knows whether to round the bag toward second or run through the base and stay on first (first base is the only base you can run past without getting tagged out). First Base Coach also gives the homerun signal which allows the batter to slow it down while running all the bases home.

There’s a Third Base Coach too. He’s there to make sure the base runners know whether to round second or third or hold up.

Watching the ball can mean the difference between reaching base, taking an additional base, making a run, or being out.

Watching the ball will distract and slow down even the fastest base runners.

Jesus-followers also have two coaches.

One is God’s written word, the Bible.

The other is Holy Spirit. Our spiritual life begins when the Spirit comes into our lives and seals us in Jesus. But our new life doesn’t just begin with Holy Spirit, following His guidance enables us to live fruitful lives.

There are many things in this life that can distract Jesus-followers, but I think the most insidious for me are the worries and cares of this world. Those little everyday worries that clog my mind with the “what-ifs” I can’t control (and may never even happen). Or those things I “need” to do, “should” do, or “have” to do.

Yes, those are the things I find myself struggling to turn my mind’s eye away from so I can just look for and follow Holy Spirit’s lead.

My worries reveal the places where I’m distracted by my own understanding.

Why do I get distracted? Although I would never say, “I don’t trust God’s word,” or “I don’t trust Holy Spirit,” I’m learning many of my distractions reveal a lack of trust.

My struggle to live in obedience to God’s word reveals where I don’t trust what He says is right. Times when I’m tempted to trust my perspective instead of His.

I want to be alert instead of distracted.

Alert to places where I’m in danger of trusting my own understanding.

Alert to times when I’m in danger of not trusting Holy Spirit’s lead.

Distracted is not who I want to be!

Take A Moment…

1 Pray. Ask Holy Spirit to help you be alert to what distracts you and hinders your ability to see and follow His lead.

2 While reading your Bible this week, be alert to verses you can claim, memorize, and remember when you find yourself distracted by the things of this world.

3 Be intentional. Be alert. Watch for Holy Spirit’s signals and don’t hesitate to follow His lead.

Digging Deeper:

Psalm 25:15, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:33-34, Mark 4:18-20, Luke 12:24-26, John 3:5-8, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:6-8, Philippians 6:8, Hebrews 12:2 & 1 Peter 5:7

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.

One more thing: Holy Spirit can be trusted. He will never signal us to do anything contrary to God’s written word. So, if you’re not sure, you can always do like the Bereans and check the Scriptures for confirmation. Acts 17:11

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Learning From Baseball: Alert to The First D

Key Verse:

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

Outfielders are not close to the action and their minds can wander while they wait for the batter to hit the ball. Sometimes it takes a while. Not only do some pitchers take a longer amount of time between pitches, but some batters foul off a lot of pitches. The pitcher may have to make eight or nine pitches before the batter hits. Then the batter might strike out and another batter must come to the plate before the ball is ever hit. Sometimes the batters hit only to the infield. This leaves the outfielders in a place of waiting.

That’s when staying alert is extra important. If the mind wanders even a little bit, the crack of the bat hitting the ball will draw his mind back into focus, but the ball is already in play. Missing that moment when the ball comes off the bat means the difference between his ability to read the play, interpret its direction, and be there to either catch or field it cleanly.

The same is true for Jesus-followers. We must be alert at all times. If we let our minds wander, we will be caught off guard and in danger of misreading, misinterpreting, and not being where we need to be and doing what we need to do.

That’s how our opponent works. He lulls us into a place of complacency and then strikes. If we aren’t alert, we can be deceived and we won’t be ready for what’s coming our way.

Okay, there are a lot of ways Jesus-followers can be deceived, but we’re going to focus on one very basic and crucial truth. A truth our enemy does NOT want us to understand; a truth he wants us to misinterpret so our response is off and we create all sorts of hurt for ourselves and others. What is that truth?

God puts us in places of waiting to strengthen us.

Our enemy wants us to doubt the LORD’s love for us. He wants us to feel forgotten and forsaken. He wants to rob us of our confidence in the position we have in Christ Jesus our LORD.

Outfielders have a lot more ground to cover. The gaps between left field, center, and right are big. The gaps between the infield and outfield, and between outfield and the fence are big. He’s not there because he’s of no value to the team. On the contrary! He’s there because his manager knows he is able to accurately interpret the trajectory of the ball’s path, he’s quick enough to cover the ground, and he’s strong enough to return the ball with accuracy to the right location. His manager trusts him to be alert even while he waits.

This week…

1 Read Ephesians 6:1-18 and ask Holy Spirit to help you recognize any places where you have become complacent about the enemy’s desire to deceive you. Practice putting on every piece of armor. Notice the portion of your body each piece protects.

2 Read Isaiah 40:31. What is promised to those who trust in the LORD? Do you really believe those promises? Knowing your answer is crucial during times of waiting. Ask Jesus to show you the places where you struggle to trust.

3 Be alert! Pay attention to your thoughts during times of waiting and/or hardship. Do you struggle with feeling useless and/or forgotten in the outfield of life? Read Romans 8 (yes, the entire chapter). Pay particular attention to all the promises given to those who are in Christ Jesus. Choose one to memorize.

Digging Deeper:

Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 29:11-13, John 10:10, Ephesians 6:1-18

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: An Introduction to the Three D’s

Key Verse:

Stay alert and be clearheaded. 1 Thessalonians 5:6b (NLT)

Last week we looked at the importance of muscle memory. Remember, using our muscle memory doesn’t require thought. But, wait! Every baseball player deliberately develops good muscle memory so he can be alert.

For example, let’s say there is a runner on first and the batter hits a ground ball between first and second. The second baseman will field the ball and throw it to the shortstop who will tag second before throwing the batter out at first.

The shortstop isn’t thinking; watch the ball, run to second base, raise my glove, open my glove, be sure the ball goes into the pocket of the glove, close the glove, avoid the runner, transfer the ball from the glove to my throwing hand, pivot towards first base, spot the first baseman, step in his direction, bring my throwing hand up, release the ball.

No! All of that is done using muscle memory; freeing him to carry out the mechanics of his position while staying alert!

Before the first pitch of every play, the minds of the players on the field are already engaged. They’re aware of their opponents and their locations on the field and they’re already thinking about how they need to respond if the ball comes their way.

Not everyone on the field of play is an active participant in every play.

Look back at the example, the only ones involved in the double play are second base, shortstop, and first base. Excluding the pitcher and catcher who are part of every play, there are four other players on the field who are not an active part of this play.

They still have to be alert. They don’t know where the ball will go until it’s hit. Once hit, they must make split second decisions based on training and experience.

What if the pitcher tips the ball with his glove as it passes by? Or the ball takes a bad hop? Or someone makes an error? That’s when everyone knowing and doing their part prevents a bad situation from becoming worse.

What if the second baseman doesn’t field the ball cleanly and it gets by him? If the right fielder is coming in as soon as the ball is hit, he’s able to field the ball, hold the runner at second, or possibly throw the batter out at first.

Maybe the throw from second baseman to shortstop is missed. Who’s his backup? And who’s supposed to backup the first baseman if the shortstop’s throw goes wide? You get the picture, right?!

Everyone on the field must be alert…

  • –before the play,
  • –during the play, and
  • –until the play is complete.

As soon as one play is over, it’s time to think about the next play.

There is never a time when a player on the field doesn’t need to be alert and clearheaded!

So, what does any of this have to do with being a Jesus-follower?

There is never a time when we don’t need to be alert and clearheaded!

We have an opponent. He’s known by several names; Satan, the devil, the accuser, and the deceiver are just a few. He has an agenda and it’s not for our good. He uses every trick in the book to defeat us. Trickery (deception) is one of his favorites. Distraction is another favorite, but undermining our confidence in Jesus, each other, and our position in Christ is always his goal.

He wants to get into our heads.

He wants to deceive, distract, and disable us.

God’s word renews our mind and exposes the enemy and his tactics, and is one of the reasons reading our Bible is so important.

The longer we’ve been a Jesus-follower, the quicker we will see our opponent, recognize what he’s doing, and remember the correct response. Our previous training and experience help us practice good muscle memory which allows us to be alert to make right decisions no matter what our opponent puts into play.

Over the next three weeks, we’re going to discover ways to recognize and be alert to the three D’s.

Between Then and Now…

1 Notice the way you respond to the unexpected in your life. Are your responses based on what you know or what you feel? Talk to Jesus about what you learn and ask Him to help you be alert.

2 Use your Bible. Look up verses using the word alert. Notice the many different times and life situations we’re told to be alert. Watch for those same times and situations in your own life.

3 Be prepared. Learning new things requires practice, so be alert to the opportunities to practice making right responses to the situations you face this week.

Digging Deeper:

John 3:16-17, Romans 8:1-2, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, & 1 Peter 5:8

Reminder: Our enemy has already lost the game; he just refuses to admit it. Those who belong to Jesus can never be taken from Him (we’re permanently part of His team’s roster). Holy Spirit has sealed us in Christ (picture yourself being put inside an envelope and sealed inside with stamped wax). Our identity in Jesus and our eternal relationship with Him is secure!

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: Practice Makes Perfect, Or Does it?

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Every Major League Baseball team has a Field Manager. Every Manager has several specialized Assistant Coaches. Each assistant coach is responsible for helping the Manager train the team’s players. The Manager has other responsibilities, but we’re only looking at the relationship between training and practice today.

MLB players begin training in the spring of each year and they practice throughout the entire season and right on through until the last playoff game is played. They practice with one another and they practice during games. They never stop using what they learn or they lose their skills. They understand using what they learn wins games. They also know they will never be named Most Valuable Player of the game, series or year, they will not earn the Golden Glove Award, the Cy Young Award, or be inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame if they do not practice what they learn.

Training happens when there’s a teacher and a learner.

training – NOUN

the action of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or type of behavior.

Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

Effective training involves both learning (understanding with the mind) and practice (use of what is learned).

learning – NOUN

the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or by being taught.

Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

practice – NOUN

the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories about such application or use.

repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it.

Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

Training requires practice.

What’s the spiritual parallel?

Jesus gives all of His followers Holy Spirit to teach us truth. Holy Spirit is like our Field Manager. And Holy Spirit has many assistant coaches to help Him train us in righteousness. Those assistant coaches are pastors, teachers, and other spiritually mature Jesus-followers. They can also be circumstances, challenges, and complete strangers. But…

We must be willing learners.

What does it look like when Jesus-followers are willing learners? We read our Bibles, pray, participate in worship (whether in person or on-line), and intentionally spend time with other Jesus-followers. We seek to know God’s truth. We do not turn our eyes away, change, or ignore truth. But knowledge is only half of the equation.

We must practice what we learn!

The early days of practicing something new will often result in errors.

Think about a baby who’s learning to eat. Babies see others eating. They know what to do, but making their eyes and hands cooperate is no easy feat. Take eating Cheerios. It usually goes something like this…

Someone puts two or three Cheerios on the highchair tray.

The baby knows he needs to pick it up, but his struggle is real. Cheerios are bumped and scattered around the tray and onto the floor as he tries to guide his hand to the Cheerio and open and close his fingers around it.

Once a Cheerio is in hand, his hand struggles to find his mouth. It waves all around in front of him while his head bobs and weaves trying to make the connection between hand and mouth.

Practice is not a once and done scenario. Just like the baby with the Cheerio, the process is repeated multiple times and for many days (or years) before success comes.

Patient perseverance when we practice brings success.

Later, that same baby will eat Cheerios off his highchair tray without having to think about it at all. One day, he will feed himself with a fork while enjoying a meal with friends.

The same is true for us when it comes to practicing what we’ve learned. Knowing what to do and doing it are two separate things. Perseverance and practice will bring success. But the only way to practice is to get on the field of play. Some of our practice will be done with other Jesus-followers and some of our practice will involve those who are not followers of Jesus. Both are crucial times of practice. Learning with and practicing alongside other Jesus-followers allows us safe opportunities for correction. Practicing with those who are not Jesus-followers allows us opportunities to share what we’re learning with them.

Repetition definitely creates muscle memory, but let’s save that for next time.

Between Then and Now…

1 Be an intentional learner. Spend time reading God’s word, the bible, every day. Start by asking Holy Spirit to teach you and protect you from misunderstanding or taking what you read out of context.

2 Practice what you learn. Ask Jesus to help you be alert to opportunities to apply what you are learning. Ask Him for boldness to practice what He’s teaching you. Do not allow your fear of making mistakes keep you from doing what you know is right.

3 Be gentle with yourself and don’t give up! Persevere with patience. You’ll never do those good things God’s created you to do in Jesus if you don’t practice. It may take time, but you will get your Cheerio if you don’t give up first.

Digging Deeper:

Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 15:14, John 8:31-32, John 14:23-26, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:8-10, 2 Timothy 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, Hebrews 5:11-6:3, James 1:22 & James 4:17

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

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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