Scripture Lesson: Philippians 1:12-18

Today is the birthday of Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson. During his 23 year career, spent as a Baltimore Oriole, Robinson was known for his tremendous defensive ability and very well may be the greatest defensive third baseman of all time. Teammate Frank Robinson said, “He was the best defensive player at any position. I used to stand in the outfield like a fan and watch him make every play. I used to think, wow I can’t believe this.”

Our Scripture lesson today gives us an insight to Paul and where he was when he wrote the church at Philippi. Paul was in prison in Rome and scholars believe he wrote this letter chained to a Roman soldier under house arrest. His imprisonment helped other believers to be bold in their proclaiming of the Gospel. In verse 16, Paul says he is in prison for the “defense of the Gospel”. Paul is not only standing up for the Gospel, he is inspiring others to do the same. Sometimes in the culture of baseball it is not easy to stand up for the Gospel. It is not easy to defend the Gospel by living daily for Christ. Every single Roman soldier in the guard detail knew where Paul stood with God.

1. Why is it hard sometimes to defend the Gospel by living for Jesus?
2. Does your team know where you stand with Christ? Why or why not?
3. What does it take to be a Hall of Fame defender of the Gospel?

There was no better defender at third in baseball history than Brooks Robinson and no better defender of the Gospel than the apostle Paul. May we all be defensive wizards when it comes to the Gospel.

Scripture Lesson: Genesis 7:1-12, 9:12-17

On this date in 1945, every game on the American League schedule is rained out for the fourth consecutive day. Wow can you imagine the doubleheaders that had to be played to make up for all those rainouts?

The biggest rainout in all history occurred in our Scripture lesson today. The world had become so wicked that God decided to destroy the world and everything in it with rain for 40 days and 40 nights. Noah and his family were spared and survived the flood in an ark (directions on how to build it came from God) with 2 from every species of living creatures. Noah’s faith must have been put to the test while the ark was being constructed. God’s promise to never destroy the world again was cemented by the rainbow. Even today when we see a rainbow we can be reminded of God’s love for us.

1. Why was the time building the ark a time of testing for Noah?
2. What kind of faith did it take for Noah to follow through for God?
3. How can we stand up for God even when no one else seems to do so?

Noah did not let public opinion keep him from following God. May we be willing to stand up for Him no matter where we are and who we are with.

Scripture Lesson: Psalm 133:1-3

On this date in 2006 a game featured two of the Molina brothers as catchers for their teams. Both of the brothers swiped a base off each other. Jose’s theft in the 4th inning is the key to an Angel four-run inning and Blue Jays backstop Bengie steals 2nd base without drawing a throw form his older brother in the seventh inning of a 8-3 Angel victory in Anaheim.

There are blessings from God when brothers live together in unity. It is important to remember that unity is not uniformity. We all do not have to be the same because God created us to be different. But the basics of our faith must be the same. That is unity. The term brothers is used in this passage meaning believers in God. It is a blessing for believers to have unity in the way they live for the Kingdom. I can imagine when we live in unity it brings a smile to God’s face!

1. Why are we blessed when there is unity?
2. How can we show unity in faith?
3. Thank God for His blessings today!

Be grateful today that God has created us all to be different with a common purpose, to love and serve Him!

Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 4:4-6

Today is the birthday of Hall of Famer, George Brett. In his 21 year career, Brett had 3,154 hits, 317 home runs, 1,595 RBIs and a lifetime batting average of .305. All 21 years were spent as a member of the Kansas City Royals. Brett continues today with the Royals as a vice-president and Spring Training instructor.

Paul gives us insight today on what it means to be a part of God’s team. Unity is the theme. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. The last part of verse six is indeed a statement of faith when Paul writes describing God as over all, through all, and in all. Team God is a team untied under the Lordship of Jesus Christ with God over all, through all, and in all!

1. What is the key component of Team God?
2. What must we do to be on God’s team?
3. Why is it important for Christians to have unity?

Unity is the key for any successful baseball team and it is the key for God’s team also.

Scripture Lesson: Genesis 35:9-10

On this date in 1950, Pirates first baseman, Johnny Hopp helps his team crush the Cubs 16-9. The Nebraska native goes 6 for 6 with two home runs. The All-Star infielder is nicknamed “Hippity” by his teammates.

Today in our passage we learn God gives a new name to Jacob. The name Jacob literally means “trickster”. But God gives him a new name, Israel which means “he struggles with God”. In ancient time a name was more than just what a person was called, it had significance in giving us insight to the person’s character. Just as Jacob had deceived Esau, stealing the birthright, he now was moving into a different part of life. He had just wrestled God, reconciled with Esau and now was going to be the patriarch of all the people of God through his family.

1. What is the best baseball nickname you have ever heard?
2. Why did God give Jacob a new name?
3. How did you get your name?

Spend some time today thanking God for your name and asking Him to empower you to serve Him wherever you might be today.

Scripture Lesson: 1 John 4:16b-18

In a Class D Appalachian League game, on this date in 1952, Bristol, Virginia pitcher Ron Necciai strikes out twenty-seven batters when he no hits Welch, Virginia. The catcher for Bristol missed a third strike allowing one runner to reach base ruining the perfect game bid.

We find out by reading these words from 1 John, that God is love. When we live in love, we live in God and God lives in us. We find on the day of judgment we can have confidence because of our faith and love of God. We can be made perfect in love by loving and believing in Him. Perfection is difficult at best in the game of baseball. In the game of life the same is true. However on the day of judgment we will be made perfect because of our faith and love of God. We will then begin to truly live perfect eternal lives in heaven. What a reassurance today, we cannot obtain perfection in this world, but we can one day be perfect because of our faith and love for God, and His Son our Savior, Jesus Christ.

1. What enables us to gain perfection?
2. Why must we live like Christ?
3. How do we escape eternal punishment?

The God of love perfects us with His love as we love and follow Him.

Scripture Lesson: 1 John 5:1-5

One of the most remarkable at bats in big league history occurs on this date in 2004. Joey Cora fouls off 14 straight pitches and then hits the 18th pitch of the at bat thrown to him by Cub’s pitcher Matt Clement over the right field fence for a two run homer. The Dodger Stadium crowd cheered each foul ball as the total started to be displayed on the scoreboard. Cora battled throughout his at bat, overcoming every pitch by Clement.

John reminds us of an important fact today. When we accept Jesus as God’s Son and believe He died for our sins and mistakes we become God’s children. We are to love God and obey His commandments in our daily living. When we believe in Jesus, we can then overcome the world. We can defeat world and live for Him, overcoming anything that Satan can hurl at us. The only hope we have in overcoming Satan and this world is to have faith in Jesus. Satan may win an occasional battle with us and we may sin. But Satan cannot win the war when we believe in Jesus. Jesus’ death and resurrection once and for all defeated Satan and overcame the world!

1. How do we overcome this world?
2. How do we show our love for God?
3. What does overcoming this world mean to you?

Obedience and love go hand in hand along with faith in overcoming this world! Thank God today for giving us the means to overcome the world!

Scripture Lesson: James 3:13-16

On this date in 2008 at Shea Stadium a 13 minute delay occurs in the top of the ninth inning when David Ross bats out of order making an out in Corey Patterson’s place in the line-up. The very confused umpires eventually make the right call telling Ross to bat again now with one out without Patterson having an opportunity to come to the plate. Batting out of order is an automatic out.

James writes a strong lesson for us today. We show our wisdom by living a good life with deeds done in humility. The opposite is also true , when we harbor envy and we act with selfish ambition that is not from God, but from Satan. Where there is that kind of selfish me first behavior, disorder is the product of that kind of living. Whatever we do, it must be done in all humility. When we allow selfishness and envy to creep into our lives, it is an automatic out with God. For instead of serving others and living for Him, we begin to elevate ourselves to an importance only reserved for God! Talk about disorder, that kind of living brings it on!

1. How do we show wisdom according to our passage today?
2. Where does selfishness and envy come from?
3. How do we make sure there is order in our lives?

Today may we truly see just how we are living our lives…..are we in or out with God?

Scripture Lesson: Proverbs 14:23

Phillies catcher, Dave Coble attempts a very difficult feat on this date in 1939. He catches a ball thrown from the top of Philadelphia’s City Hall. The rookie catcher handles the 521 foot dropped ball cleanly, but likens it to the experience of a man jumping into his arms. It must have taken some hard work and preparation for Coble to complete this feat.

Today’s Scripture lesson shows us to be about action instead of talk when we talk about hard work. We can have the greatest intentions in the world to get better in the game whether we play or coach, but unless we put in the time and work hard, getting better will not happen. All of us want to improve to play at the next level, but to do so we must be willing to put in the hard work it takes. Talk just does not get it done. The same is true in our walk with God. We can have great intentions and talk a great spiritual game, but unless we put in the time and work hard on our relationship with God daily, we will not grow spiritually. We need to realize that our relationship with God must be the most important in our lives and we need to work hard at growing in our daily walk with Him.

1. How much time this week have we put into our relationship with God?
2. How hard have we worked to get better in the game and the game of life?
3. What can we do to work on our relationship with God?

We can’t get ahead in the game of baseball without a lot of hard work. We also can’t grow in our Christian walk without a lot of hard work with God. Let’s work hardWo today!!

Scripture Lesson: 2 Timothy 1:5-7

On this date in 2010, Dallas Braden throws the 19th perfect game in baseball history, a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. In attendance for the 26 year old left hander’s Mother’s Day gem is his grandmother, who raised him after his Mom died of cancer during his senior year at Stagg High School in Stockton, California.

We are introduced to two women of faith in today’s Scripture lesson. Timothy’s faith was first developed by the influence of his grandmother, Lois and his mother Eunice. During his childhood they must have told him the stories of faith of the Old Testament and of God’s love for him. What a blessing that must have been. I can remember my own Mother, Lois who would put me in her lap and read to me Bible stories. Some of those are still my favorites today. It is indeed a blessing to have godly women in our lives that share the love God has for us and bring us up in His Word.

1. Who are the most influential women in your life from a faith standpoint?
2. What made them so special?
3. Take time today to call those women if possible and thank them for helping you to grow closer to God.

What a special day it was for Dallas Braden to pitch a perfect game on Mother’s Day. What a special day for us to tell those women that have made a Kingdom difference in our lives, thank you!

Scripture Lesson: Psalm 27:1

Today is the birthday of Adrian Gonzalez, first baseman of the Boston Red Sox. Gonzalez’s bat model from Trinity Bat is a Ps 27:1 model which also happens to be our Scripture lesson today as well as Adrian’s favorite verse. “I don’t want to be remembered in baseball,” he said. “I want to be remembered as a good witness for Jesus Christ.” (STV) “There is no pressure,” Gonzalez says. “My stats don’t matter. I am just trying to use this platform to bring people to Christ.”

Today’s Scripture lesson is pretty straight forward. As long as we have God as our light, our salvation, and our stronghold we have nothing to fear or be afraid of in life. That verse reminds us we can be bold in living and sharing our faith. We don’t have to worry about what other people say or think. We can just be the people of God standing up for Him wherever we go. That would be faith in action.

1. How can we be bold in living for God?
2. What does it mean to put our faith into action?
3. What reassurances can we draw from our Scripture lesson?

As believers, we have a responsibility to put our faith into action in the way we live each day. Let’s make a difference for God by being bold in living and sharing our faith!

Scripture Lesson: Numbers 32:20-24

On this date in 2003, a man wanted by the police on drug and parole violations is arrested at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. The 24 year old Westwood, Ohio man’s cover was blown when his parole officer saw him kissing his girlfriend on the stadium’s scoreboard during Kiss Cam.

In this passage from Numbers, Moses is addressing the tribes that have their land on the west side of the Jordan. Moses, speaking for God, tells them that they must participate in the conquest on the eastern side of the Jordan. If they choose not to do this they would be sinning against God and their sin “will find them out”. The two tribes decided to do what God had commanded them to do, they fought! It is silly to think that we can hide our sins. Just like the two tribes could not hide from going to battle, we can’t hide when we disobey God. We think we might get away with sin, but our sins will always find us out. The best thing to do is to keep the sin in our lives confessed and repented.

1. Describe a time you tried to hide a sin from God and others.
2. How did that turn out?
3. What is the best way to keep from attempting to hide sin in our lives?

We cannot hide our sin from God, sooner or later our sins will come out unless we confess them and repent from them.

Scripture Lesson: Romans 5:6-8

Today is the birthday of Hall of Famer Willie Mays. The “Say Hey Kid” ended his career with 660 home runs, 1903 RBIs, and a .302 lifetime batting average. When asked about his success Mays said,” In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept constructive criticism. Without 100% dedication you will not be able to succeed.”

In Paul’s letter to the Church at Rome, he reminds what true dedication is all about. God is so dedicated to saving humanity from their sins that He sent His Son to die for us. Even though we did not deserve this gift or neither could we ever earn this gift, God freely gave His Son for us. God loves us, He doesn’t want any of us to perish without the opportunity to accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. There is no greater demonstration of love and dedication than what God did for us in sending Jesus to the world to die for our sins and mistakes!

1. How can we give 100% dedication to God?
2. What has God done for each of us in this passage?
3. How do we show God we love Him like He loves us?

May each of us this day and every day be 100% dedicated to God in how we live and how we serve Him and our fellow man.

Scripture Lesson: Psalm 84:10-12

On this day in 1925 Hall of Famer Ty Cobb had a pretty good day at the plate. Cobb went 6 for 6, including 3 home runs, in the Tigers 14-8 win over the St. Louis Browns. Cobb’s 16 total bases set a new American League Record. I would say that was a day at the plate any one of us would gladly take!

In today’s Scripture lesson, the Psalmist is showing us what a good day for him would be like. A good day is spent in the presence of God! There is no place the Psalmist would rather be than in God’s presence in His house. He also takes the time to remind us that God is light and protection. He also bestows favor and honor on those whose walk is blameless. We are blessed when we trust in God! A good day is filled with the presence of God and enjoying His fellowship and love as we walk with Him, trusting Him along the way!

1. When is the last time we spent time in His presence as the psalmist describes?
2. How would we characterize our walk with Him?
3. How do we show the world we trust in God?

God is waiting for us to enjoy a great day with Him. Why not take the time today to get away and spend some time with God and then walk with Him as we impact the world for Him!

Scripture Lesson: Acts 13:1-3

On this date in 1975 the Giants defeat the Astros 8-6 in the first game of a double header at Candlestick Park. In the second inning Houston’s Bob Watson scores what is calculated to be the millionth run in Major League Baseball history. Philadelphia national Wes Fisler scored the first run on April 22, 1876.

Today we get to see in our Scripture lesson the legacy of the Church at Antioch. Not only were there renown teachers and prophets in the church, but the church was led by the Holy Spirit to send out the first missionaries, Barnabas and Saul. They were sent out to fulfill their calling to reach the Gentile world for Christ. A calling Saul had received first at his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road. Modern Christian missions can trace their roots to this event. The Church at Antioch set the example of sending out others to share the Gospel. What a great legacy to leave to others.

1. Why is it important for us to share our faith with others?
2. How can we do that in the baseball world?
3. What legacy are we building to leave behind for Christ?

We are all called to be on mission for Christ, reaching others for Him by the way we live our lives daily and sharing what Christ means to us when the door is open to share. That is leaving a legacy for Him!

Scripture Lesson: Acts 11:22-26

Today is the birthday of Cincinnati Reds pitcher David Dewitt Bailey. You probably know him better by his nickname Homer after his great grandfather. Homer is an interesting nickname for a pitcher. By the way, Homer has given up 49 homers in 418 innings.

In today’s Scripture lesson from Acts a shift has begun in importance from the Jerusalem Church to the Church at Antioch. The Church at Antioch was very mission minded reaching out with the Gospel. This is the Church that eventually sends out Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. The last verse of our passage today gives us an interesting fact. Antioch was the first place the disciples were called Christians. The word Christian literally means “little Christ”. That is what we are called to be as Christians, a mirror image of our Lord and Savior. The name Christian is more than who we are, it is a lifestyle! We are to live our lives as Christians as Jesus would live His life daily. What a challenge this day and every day for us to live like Jesus!

1. What are our responsibilities to be called Christians?
2. How do we live like Jesus?
3. How can being a true Christian draw others to Jesus?

We have a great responsibility when we are called a Christian to live up to the name!

Scripture Lesson: Philippians 2:1-5

On this date in 1939 prior to a game with the Tigers in Detroit, Lou Gehrig tells his manager Joe McCarthy that he is benching himself, “for the good of the team”. The Yankee legend’s record streak which began in 1925 ends at 2,130 consecutive games played. Gehrig later that season is diagnosed with ALS and retires from baseball. He had lost the ability to play at his high level and everyone was wondering what his problem was. Gehrig, thinking only of what was best for the Yankees, took the step to bench himself. This was a very sad day for baseball, but it showed the true character of Gehrig, thinking of others more than himself.

Paul is writing to the Philippians today to encourage them to be like minded, loving, and to have unity. He wants them to do nothing out of selfishness, but to consider others better than themselves. He wants the people to look after the interests of others. Paul calls them (and us) to have the attitude of Christ Jesus. Jesus always looked out for others before He looked out for Himself. He gave up heaven to come to this world for you and for me. If we are going to have the attitude of Jesus then we have to put others and their needs before our own. We cannot live selfish lives, we must live selfless lives. Paul is calling us today to live lives of service and love. We are to look beyond ourselves and see what we can do for others.

1. How did Gehrig look beyond himself to others?
2. How can we do the same?
3. What does it mean to live a selfless life for Christ?

Today why not find a way to serve your teammates and coaches by living the example of Jesus and having His attitude.

Scripture Lesson: 1Timothy 6:11-16

On this date in 1991 Rickey Henderson surpassed Lou Brock as the career stolen base leader with his 939th steal as the Oakland A’s defeat the New York Yankees 7-4. Henderson’s goal in baseball was to pursue and break the stolen base record. Henderson also holds the career record for runs scored with 2,295, is second behind Barry Bonds in career walks with 2,190, and ended his career with 3,055 hits. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Today’s Scripture lesson is advice Paul is giving to his young friend. Paul wants Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. What a great lesson for all of us today. If we spend our lives pursuing these things our faith will not only be strong, but we will continue to grow in our faith daily. We are called to live the right way, to take on the attributes of God, to have a strong faith, to love unconditionally, to endure through the tough times of life, and to be gentle as we live for Him. Paul also wants Timothy to hold on to eternal life that he received when he made his profession of faith.

1. Have we been pursuing the things Paul wanted Timothy to pursue? Which one is the easiest to do, the hardest to do?
2. How can we grow in our faith by pursuing these things?
3. How can we hold on to our eternal life as believers?

Rickey Henderson was relentless in his pursuit of the stolen base record, may we show the same pursuit of the things Paul calls us to pursue today!

Scripture Lesson: Ecclesiastes 9:17-18

On this date in 1967 the Tigers are no hit by Orioles’ pitchers Steve Barber and Stu Miller. The Tigers still manage to win the game 2-1. An error by Baltimore shortstop Mark Belanger allows the winning run to score in the top of the 9th.

The writer of Ecclesiastes teaches us some great lessons today, the quiet words of the wise are to be listened to more that the loud words of a ruler of fools, wisdom is better than weapons of war, and lastly one sinner can destroy much good. When we sin we can hurt more than ourselves. The consequences of our sin can affect and yes sometimes destroy those around us. It is so important to live our lives without sin and when we do make a mistake and sin to repent and ask forgiveness. Our sin can hurt more than us.

1. How can our sin affect others?
2. Why is it important to live as sin free as we can?
3. What does our sin have the potential to destroy?

Let’s heed the words of the writer today and remember our sin can destroy much good.

Scripture Lesson: John 1:10-14

On this date in 2002, Brian Sprout a Division 3 All-American becomes the first and only player in the recorded history of baseball to hit for the home run cycle in order. The St. Olaf College slugger hits a solo shot, a two-run homer , a three-run homer, and a grand slam in four consecutive at bats during a 39-4 rout of Augsburg College. Never done before or since!

We find in John’s Gospel today something else that has never been done before or since. The Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us. From the beginning of time the Word was with God and was the agent of creation. Jesus left the glories of His heavenly Home as God’s Son to come to this world in the form of a man. Jesus came to this world for only one purpose….to pay the price for our sins and mistakes by dying on the cross.

1. What does it mean to you that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”?
2. What did Jesus give up to come to this world?
3. Thank Him for loving us that much!

Jesus gave up the glories of heaven for us, to come to this world, to suffer, and die for our sins. He paid the price for us, a price we could not pay.

Scripture Lesson: Psalm 37:23-24

On this date in 1978, then Padres rookie Ozzie Smith makes the best defensive play in Major League Baseball history as voted on by the MLB Network. From his shortstop position, Smith ranges up the middle to field a grounder off the bat of the Braves Jeff Burroughs. The ball takes a bad hop just as Smith dives for the ball, going behind his head. Smith reaches back with his bare hand and snags the ball and pops to his feet to throw at Burroughs at first. Smith makes the Hall of Fame largely due to his great hands and defense.

The words of the Psalmist today should indeed inspire us. If God delights in the way we live, He will make our steps sure. Even if we stumble in life and start to fall God holds us up with His hand. Talk about a great defensive play, God upholding us with His hand. What a great picture for us to see in our minds, God holding us and helping us through life!

1. How do we make God delight in our ways?
2. What does it mean to you tht our steps will be firm?
3. How can God keep us from falling in life?

What a blessing for us today to know that God is leading us through life with His loving hand!

Scripture Lesson: Micah 2:12-13

On this date in 1983, then Astro pitcher Nolan Ryan breaks Walter Johnson’s 56 year old record by striking out Expo pinch hitter Brad Mills, on a 1-2 curveball, in the 8th inning for his 3509 career strikeout.

The prophet Micah talks about the people moving forward and at their lead is the Lord. What a great picture for our lives today. We can move forward in our lives when the Lord is our leader. We must remember that the Lord has to be in charge of showing us His way in life. Too many times we think we know what is best and we, by our actions, want to show God where we should lead Him. It is important to know that the all-time leader in our lives must be God!

1. Why should God lead our lives?
2. How do we let Him do that?
3. Where is God leading your life today?

Nolan Ryan is the all-time strikeout leader in MLB history. May God be our all-time leader in life living!

Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 9:2

On this date in 1931 at Washington’s Griffith Stadium, a walk to Lyn Lary is followed by a Lou Gehrig home run, a smash that clears the fence, but bounces back into the hands of CF Harry Rice. The base runner, Lary thinks the ball has been caught for the third out. Returning to the dugout without crossing home plate and Gehrig running with his head down is called out for passing a runner ahead of him. This possibly cost the Yankees the game (lost by 2 runs), Gehrig the home run crown in 1931 (tied with Ruth at 46) and 2 RBI’s to add to his AL record total of 184 for the season.

Today’s Scripture lesson is the introduction of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ in the book of Isaiah. The light that everyone would be able to see is the light of the coming Messiah. For generations the people of Israel had been waiting and watching for the Messiah to come. Sadly, just as Lary and Gehrig did not see, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not see Him as the Messiah. They had Him put to death. They did not see who He was. Sometimes we are just as guilty of not seeing and living by the light of Jesus.

1. What does it mean to live by His light?
2. Why do we sometimes not want to see Jesus or better yet have Jesus see us?
3. How has the light of Jesus led your life?

May we open our eyes and see all Jesus wants us to see as we serve Him.

Scripture Lesson: Daniel 6:1-24

On this date in 1976 one of the greatest saves in baseball history occurred, but not on the mound. Cubs OF Rick Monday rescues an American flag that is about to be set on fire by 2 Trespassers in the outfield at Dodger Stadium. One month later Monday is presented the flag in a pre-game ceremony at Wrigley Field by Dodger executive Al Campanis as a gesture of patriotic thanks.

Today’s Scripture lesson is one of the greatest saves in Biblical history. The story of Daniel and the lions’ den is one of a heroic faith that is able to stand against the most powerful man in the world and of a loving God who took care of Daniel in the face of almost certain death. As you read these verses today take note of the great faith of Daniel and the watch care of God. His faith in us and our faith in Him enables us to stand up against whatever the world can hurl at us.

1. How was Daniel’s faith lived out?
2. How can we live out our faith to mirror Daniel?
3. How can we stand up for God in the baseball culture?

It is reassuring to know that God is there for us when we are there for Him!

Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 14:12

Today is the birthday of Omar Vizquel. Continuing in the fine tradition of Venezuelan shortstops, Vizquel has had a 23 year career, split between the Mariners, Indians, Giants, and White Sox. A pure wizard in the field, Vizquel has 11 Gold Gloves including 9 in a row from 1993-2001. When one thinks of excellence in fielding for the shortstop position over the last 20 years, Omar Vizquel has to be at or near the top of any list.

Our Scripture lesson today deals with a time of strife in the Corinthian Church. The Church was having issues with people speaking in tongues. Our verse today is the summary verse. Paul wants the people to excel in gifts that build up the church. We need to excel in using our gifts and talents for Christ. Many of you who are using these devotions either play or coach the game at some level. You know what it means to excel in baseball. Just like you have to put the time in working hard to get better in baseball, we have to put the same effort into excelling in our faith. God expects us to excel in helping build up the church and those who believe in Him. It takes effort and determination to excel in our faith!

1. What does it take to excel in our faith?
2. How much effort do we put in getting better for God?
3. Why is it important to excel in our faith?

Let’s attack getting better in our faith with the same passion as we attack getting better in the game. Doesn’t God deserve that kind of effort from us?

Scripture Lesson: 1 Kings 18:41-46

Today is the birthday of one of the greatest lefthanders in baseball history, Warren Spahn. In his 21 year career mostly spent with the Milwaukee Braves, Spahn won 363 games, struke out 2,583 batters and had a career ERA of 3.09. Along with Braves pitcher Johnny Sain the two hurlers created one of the best one-two punches in all baseball history. They were so good together a saying came about: “Spahn and Sain, then pray for rain.”

Prayer is the theme of today’s Scripture lesson. For three years, after Elijah the prophet prayed it would not rain, no rain had fallen during the reign of evil King Ahab and his queen Jezebel. The prophets of Baal had just been defeated on Mt. Carmel and the people turned back to God. Elijah sent word to the king to get ready, rain was going to come. Elijah prayed and once again the awesome power of God was shown, it rained.

1. How confident are you in your prayers?
2. Have you ever prayed for something to happen and it did not happen? How did you feel after that?
3. How often do you pray outside of blessing the food at a meal?

Prayer is conversation with God. He always wants time with us and the very best for our lives. Being confident in our prayer life is trusting in God enough to know that he knows what is best for us and He is going to do just that!

Scripture Lesson: Acts 17:22-34

On this date in 1959 The Chicago White Sox scored 11 runs with only one hit in the 7th inning of a 20-6 rout of the Kansas City A’s. Johnny Callison had the hit-a single. In the inning Chicago received 10 walks, five with the bases loaded, three KC errors and one hit batsman. I would say that was a strange inning!

In our Scripture lesson today, Paul takes a different approach to sharing the Gospel. We find he is in Athens, the center of philosophy in the ancient world. Some had heard him preach about Jesus and were curious to learn more. Paul uses a strange way to talk to them about the Gospel, it was not his traditional way of preaching. Notice what Paul did, he spoke to reach his audience. The message did not change, but the way the message was presented did change. It would have been strange for a believer to hear this way of presenting the Gospel. Notice the results, men and women believed in Jesus!

1. How can we use baseball to reach people for Christ?
2. How can we reach people in the baseball community for Christ?
3. Why is it important to reach people where they are for Christ?

It may seem strange to change how we present the Gospel to others. We never change the message, we just reach out to people where they are not where we are in life.

Scripture Lesson: John 20:10-18

On this date in 1991 baseball witnessed the greatest extra inning comeback in MLB history. The Pirates score 6 runs in the bottom of the 11th inning to erase a five run Cubs lead in the top of the 11th largely built on an Andre Dawson grand slam home run. The Pirates had rallied from a 7-2 deficit to tie the game with 4 in the bottom of the 8th and one in the bottom of the 9th. Final Score of this record setting extra inning comeback, Pirates 13 Cubs 12.

Our Scripture lesson today is the greatest comeback in the history of the world. Jesus Christ came back from the dead when God raised Him on Easter Sunday. His resurrection is the greatest comeback in all history. Jesus came back from the dead and appeared to Mary Magdalene in the garden outside the empty tomb. When Jesus appeared to her, Mary went to the disciples and told them that Jesus was alive! Without the death and resurrection of Jesus there would be no forgiveness of sins and no way for a sinful humanity to spend eternity with a sinless God. Jesus paid the price for our sins and praise God, He lives today!

1. What does the death and resurrection of Jesus mean to you?
2. Why is the resurrection the world’s greatest comeback?
3. How can we show those around us that Jesus is alive today?

Why not live today and every day with Resurrection Sunday in our hearts and minds?

Scripture Lesson: Mark 10:17-22

On this date in 1990 after retiring 26 consecutive Oakland A’s, Mariner Brian Holman gives up a home run to Ken Phelps. Holman retires the next hitter for a complete game one hitter in the 6-1 win. That is as close as someone could get to a perfect game, 26 out of 27 batters retired in a row. So near yet so far.

Our Scripture lesson today is one of the saddest in the Bible. A young man approaches Jesus wanting to inherit eternal life. He knows what is required, he has kept the law his entire life. He is so very close to heaven. Jesus looked at him and loved him. He saw that the young man had only one thing between Jesus and him. Jesus wanted him to sell everything he had and give it to the poor, and then follow Him. At that the Bible says the man’s face fell and he went away sad for he had great wealth. Jesus knew the young man loved his wealth more. We cannot have anything in our lives as believers more important than Jesus. The young man was right there at the threshold of heaven but his wealth would keep him from Jesus. So near yet so far.

1. Why is it not enough to just know how we should live as believers?
2. What is in our lives more important to us than Jesus?
3. Why is this so story so sad?

Close is not good enough in getting a perfect game or in our faith walk with Jesus. So near yet so far.

Scripture Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

On this date in 1965 at a cost of $20,000, the outer Astrodome ceiling is painted black because the sun’s glare makes fielding fly balls hazardous. This will cause the grass to die and spur the introduction of artificial turf known as Astroturf. Astroturf ushered in a new era of stadium design and field maintenance.

Paul is telling the Corinthians today that in Christ we are new creations, the old has gone and the new has come. There is a newness that comes when we give our lives to Christ and follow Him. Things in our past that seemed so important, now take on a different place in our priorities. We are not the same when we follow Him. Life takes on a new meaning and purpose as we live our lives for Him.

1. Describe your “newness “ with Christ.
2. What are some things that are now not as important since you followed Jesus.
3. Have you encountered people who have seen the difference Jesus has made in your life?

The world needs to see the difference, the newness Jesus brings to our lives when we follow Him. Let Him live in us as we live for Him!