BaseballTeamDevotions‐BaseballCharacters

ScriptureLesson:Luke17:11‐19

Inbaseballhistorytherehavebeenalotofcharacters,guyswhowerequirkyintheirbehavior.OneofthemostbelovedcharactersinbaseballhistorywasMarkFidrych,knowastheBirdbecausehelookedlikeSesameStreetsBigBird.FidrychpitchedfortheDetroitTigersandinhisbriefcareermadeanimpactonthecityofDetroitanduponMajorLeagueBaseball.Fidrychwouldstoopdownonthemoundandsmoothoutcleatmarkswithhishands.Hewouldtalktothebaseballtellingitwheretogooneachpitch.Hewalkedaroundthemoundaftereveryoutandwouldthrowoutabaseballthatwashitforabasehit,hedidn’tlikethoseatall.OneofthethingsthatsettheBirdapartwashowhethankedhisteammates.Iftheymadeagoodplaybehindhim,hewouldruntowardthemclappingandthankingthem.Afterthegameshepitchedhewouldshakehisteammates’handsthankingthemforalltheydidforhim.InjurycutshorthiscareerbutanyonewhosawhimpitchwillneverforgetMark“TheBird”Fidrych.

Intoday’sScripturelessonJesushasjusthealed10lepers.Leprosywastheworstdiseaseofallintheancientworld.Leperscouldnotlivewithotherpeople,theyweresetoutfromsocietyingeneral.Lepershadnoqualityoflifeandwereinconstantpain.WhenJesushadmercyonthe10lepersandhealedthem,theyhadtogothemselvestothelocalpriesttogetshowtheywerediseasednomore.Thiswouldenablethemtoreturntoanormallife.Only1outof10camebacktothankJesusforwhatHehaddoneinhealinghim.HowmanytimeshasJesusdonesomethingforusandwedidn’tthankHim?Whenisthelasttimeateammatedidsomethinggreatinthegame,didwethankhim?Toomanytimeswegothroughlifewithoutbeinggratefulforourblessings?Whenisthelasttimeyouthankedyourcoachforallthetimeheputsintoyourteam?WeshouldalllearnalessonfromMark“TheBird“Fidrychandbegratefulforallourblessings!Thechallengetodayistolivewithanattitudeofgratitude.WhynotthankGodforHisblessings,yourparentsforalltheyhavedoneforyou,andyourteammatesforalltheyhavedoneforyourteam.“TheBird“wasgrateful.Howaboutyou?

Visualaid:youtubevideoisgreathttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMSDo3BX5Ds

BaseballTeamDevotion‐BattingPractice

ScriptureLesson:Luke8:19‐21

OneoftheneatestthingsaboutgoingtoaMajorLeaguegameisgettingthereearlyenoughtowatchbattingpracticeorBP.Itispoetryinmotion.Thereareinfielderstakinggroundballs,outfielderscatchingflies,hitterstakingtheirturninthebattingcagebygroups.Itisconstantmotion,allatthesametime.BPisjustthat,itispractice.Youseetheplayersworkingoneveryaspectofthegame,fielding,throwing,running,andhitting.Thispregamepracticehelpspreparethemeachdayforthegamethatistobeplayed.Itisnotenoughtoknowhowtohit.Onehastopracticehowtohittobecomebetter.ThebestMajorLeagueplayersaretheoneswhoworkthehardestatBP,fortheyarepreparedtoplaythegamebyalltheirhardworkduringthepracticetimecalledBP.

InourScripturelessontoday,Jesusisonceagainteaching.BythistimeinHisministry,Jesushasstarteddrawingverylargecrowds.NotonlyisHisteachingwonderful,butpeoplehaveseenandheardaboutHishealingministryaswell.JesusistoldthatHismotherandbrothersareoutsideandtheywanttoseeHim.Jesussayssomethingthenthatseemsalittlestrangetous.Hesays,”MymotherandmybrothersarethosewhohearGod’swordandputitintopractice.WhatHeissayingtousisHisfamilyisthefamilyofGod,fellowbelievers.ButHegivesadefinitionforwhatitmeanstobeapartofGod’sfamily,toputintopracticeGod’sword.JesusistellingustonotjustreadandknowwhattheBiblesays,wearetopracticeit.WhatwouldhappenifamajorLeagueplayerneverpracticedhitting?Hemightknoweverythingthereistoknowabouthitting,butthatisnotenoughisit?Withoutpracticeinbaseball,playerscannotmastertheskillstobecomeagreatplayer.WithoutlivingwhattheBibleteachesuswecannotbecomeagreatChristian.Ibetyoucantellmewhenyourlastbaseballpracticeoccurred.CanyoutellmewhenyourlastBiblepracticeoccurred?It’stimetohittheChristianpracticefieldandtakealittleBP,BiblePractice.

Visualaid:BorrowaCoach’spracticeplanandbringaBible.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐Catcher’sInterference

ScriptureLesson:Hebrews12:1‐2

Canyounamethesixwaysarunnercanreachbasesafely?Thereisbyabasehit,awalk,anerror,droppedthirdstrike,hitbyapitchandthelastandprobablytheoneweseetheleast,catcher’sinterference.Catcher’sinterferenceoccurswhenthecatcherhindersthebatterasheistryingtohittheball.Thisusuallyoccurswhenthecatcherreachesouttocatchthepitchandasthebatterswings,hestrikesthecatchersmitt.Thisisanautomaticawardingoffirstbaseanditcountsasanerroronthecatcher.Canyouimaginehowharditwouldbetohitapitchafterevenbarelyhittingthecatcher’smitt?Haveyoueverhadthathappentoyou?Howaboutitcatchers,everbeencalledforthatinagame?Haveyoueverhinderedthebatter?

Intoday’sScripturelessonthewriterofHebrewstalkstousaboutgettingridofwhathindersusinrunningtheracecalledlife.Inancienttimesrunnerswouldoftenrunwithoutclotheswhichmightentanglethemastheyran.Remembertheyworelongflowingrobesandoutergarments,muchlikewhatiswornintheMiddleEasttoday.TherewerenoNikesandrunningclothes.Theraceisthelifewearetolive.TheChristianlifeisnotasprint,itisalife‐longmarathonthatendswhenwegettoheaven.WearetogetridofsinoranythingelsethatkeepsusfromrunningtheracecalledlifeforGod.Thewritergivesusthekeyforrunningtherightandonlyway.WearetokeepoureyesonChristtheauthorandperfecterofourlives.Inotherwords,ifwefocusonJesusandlivingforHim,wewillruntheraceoflifeasawinner.Idon’tknowaboutyou,butIwanttobeawinnerintheChristianlife.TheonlywaytodothatistogetridoftheDevil’sinterference(sin)andkeepmyeyesonChristandlivingforHim.

Visualaid:Askthecatcherandahittertodemonstratecatcher’sinterference.ThisisNOTtobedoneatfullspeed.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐Errors

ScriptureLesson:Psalm103:11‐12,1John1:9

Haveyouevermadeanerror?Ifyouplaythisgreatgameofbaseballlongenoughyouwillhavemadenumerouserrors:missingagroundball,overthrowingabase,droppingaflyball,missingapitch,notbackingupaplay,missingyourspotandleavingapitchrightovertheheartoftheplate.Therearemanyerrorsinbaseball.Anerrorisamistake,aplaythatshouldhavebeenmade.TheerrorthatstandsoutperhapsmorethananyinWorldSerieshistoryoccurredinthe1986WorldSeriesbetweentheBostonRedsoxandtheNewYorkMets.Letmesetthestage.ItisgamesixtheRedSoxholda3‐2leadingamesandinthetopofthetenththeyscore2runstotakea5‐3leadgoingintothebottomofthetenth.With2outs,theMetsrallywith3straightsingles,platingaruntomakethescore5‐4.Withrunnersonfirstandthirdwithstill2outs,RedSoxpitcherBobStanleyuncorksawildpitch.KevinMitchellscoresthetyingrunandRayKnightmovesto2ndbase.MookieWilsonworksthecountto3‐2andthenhitsaroutinegroundballtofirstbasemanBillBuckner.TheballgoesrightthroughBuckner’slegsandKnightscoresthewinningrun.TheMetsgoontowingame7,8‐5tocapturetheWorldSeries.BucknerwascalledagoatandleftBostonindisgrace.

OurScripturelessonteachesusthatweallmakemistakes,theBiblecallsthatsin.Butifweconfessourmistakes/sinsGodisfaithful,becauseofhisimmeasurableloveforus,toforgiveus.Heremovesthesinasfarastheeastisfromthewest.Madeanyerrorsinthegameoflife?IstheresomeconfessingweneedtodotoGod?

OhbythewaythereismoretotheBillBucknerstory.OnOpeningDay2008,BucknerthrewouttheopeningpitchfortheRedSoxandreceivedalongloudstandingovation.I’dcallthatforgiveness.

Visualaid:GetaplayeraheadoftimetomissagroundballthroughhislegstoillustrateBuckner’serrorandifpossibleusethisyoutubevideoofBuckner’sfirstpitch.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W12h9gNxdpo

BaseballTeamDevotion‐ScoutingReport

Scripture:Matt.16:13‐20

YoucanlookinmostMajorLeagueBaseballdugoutsandseelargethreeringbinders.Theseholdthescoutingreportsoneachoftheopposingplayersfortheteamtheyareplaying.Thesereportsshoweverythingfromwhereabatterlikesapitchtowhereheismostlikelytohittheball.Whatthebattingaverageisforeveryopposinghitteragainstyourpitchersandvisaversaisshown.Thesereportsarethoroughandgivealltheinformationpossibleaboutwhotheopposingplayerisandhowtodealwithhimforyourteamtowin.EveninHighSchool,nowscoutingreportscomeintoplayespeciallyagainstconferencefoes.Youknowwheretoplayacertainhitterfromyourrivalschoolandwhatpitchtheiracewillthrowyouincertaingamesituations.ScoutingReportshaveonlyonepurpose,tohelpyoutowin.

JesusinourScripturelessonwantedtofindoutwhatHisscoutingreportwas.Hewantedtoknowwhatpeopleweresayingaboutwhohewas.Thedisciplesgavetheanswers,somesayJohntheBaptist,othersElijah,andstillothersJeremiahoroneoftheprophets.ThenJesusaskedthequestionHe,wasreallywantingtheanswerfor,“WhodoyousayIam?”Inotherwordswhatismyscoutingreportinyoureyes?WhoamIreallytoyou?Peteranswered,“YouaretheChrist,theSonoftheLivingGod.”JesusknewPeterhadgottenwhohewasandthatkindoffaithwaswhatHischurchwouldbebuiltupon.Peterwasawinner.HesawfirsthandthemiraclesofJesus.HesawHimhealthesick,causetheblindtosee,hesawthestormstilled.Hesawfirsthandthescoutingreportbeinglivedoutbeforehimdaily.Peterwasawinnerbecausehebelieved.

Whatisyourscoutingreportasaplayer?Wheredoyouliketheball,whatpitchisyourfavoritetothrow?WhatisyourscoutingreportwithJesus?WhodoyousayHeis?AreyoulivingforHim?AreyouawinnerlikePeterwasinthegameoflife?For2,000yearslaterJesusisstillaskingustoday,“WhodoyousayIam?”

Visualaid‐Youcangoontomlb.comandtypeaplayer’snameandgetstatsoneverythingfromwhathehitsindaygamestowhathehitsincertaincounts.Youcouldbringthatprintouttouse.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheBatboy

ScriptureLesson:Matthew20:20‐28

Batboysareoftenunsungheroes.TheydoeverythingfrompickupbatstorunballstotheHomePlateUmpire.Agoodbatboyisaservant,doinganythinghecantomakethegamebetterfortheplayersandcoaches.Batboyslovethegameandbeingaroundtheplayers.Theyareasmuchapartoftheteamasthesuperstarpitcherorhitter.Theyoftentimesdotheirjobswithoutmuchfanfareandappreciation.Theyjustlovetoserve.IwillalwaysrememberwhenmysonwasthebatboyfortheUniversityofNorthCarolina.Helovedthegameandbeingwiththeteam.Itwasalotofworktodothejobright.Johnwasaservant,givinghisbestalwaysfortheplayersandcoaches.Hisrewardwastherelationshipshehaseventothisdaywiththeformerplayersandcoaches.Batboysareservantswhogivetheirbesttoothers.(youcaninserthereastoryaboutabatboyorteammanageryouknow)

Intoday’sScriptureLesson,themotherofJamesandJohnapproachesJesus.Sheasksforplacesofprominenceforhertwosons.Whentheother10disciplesheardaboutthistheybecameangrywithJamesandJohn.Jesususedthisasateachingpointwiththe12.WhatJamesandJohndesiredandalsotheother10wastobeimportant,toexperiencetruegreatness.Jesustellsthemthatiftheywantedtoreachtruegreatness,thentheyhadtobecomeservants.JesustoldthemtruegreatnessishowoneservesforHecametothisworld,nottobeserved,buttoserve.OnthenightbeforeHisowndeath,Jesuswashedthedisciples’feet,thejobofthelowestservantinthehousehold.HedidsotomodelservanthoodandtotellhisclosestfriendswhatitwouldtaketobeconsideredgreatinGod’seyes.Whenisthelasttimeyouservedyourteammatesandcoaches?TruegreatnessisnotfoundinabattingaverageoranERA.Truegreatnessisfoundinwhatwedoforothers.Ifyouhaveabatboy,thankhimtoday,playcatchwithhim,spendalittletimegettingtoknowhim.Servingtheservant,nowthatbringsasmiletothefaceoftheMaster.Let’sbegreattodayinHiseyesbybeingaservant!

Visualaid:batandballtoillustratethebatboy’sjob

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheBullpenCatcher

ScriptureLesson:Luke5:1‐11

DidyouknowthatmostMajorLeagueandCollegeteamshavebullpencatchers.Theseplayershaveonlyonejob,tocatchinthebullpen.Theyareconsideredpartofthestaff.Theynevergettoplayinthegame.Alltheydoiscatchinthebullpen.Theywarmuppitchersbeforetheyenterthegame,theycatchsidesessions.Alotoftheirtimeisspentwatchinggamesfromthebullpenwaitingforthatcalltowarmupthenextpitcher.Thereoneandonlytaskistocatchinthebullpen.

Intoday’sScripturelesson,JesusispreachingbesidetheSeaofGalilee.HeaskedSimon(laternamedPeter),afisherman,toputhimoutalittleinhisboat.TheareanearCapernaumwasanaturalamphitheater.JesususedtheboatandthewatertoamplifyHisvoice.Whenhefinishedteaching,hetoldSimontogoouttodeepwaterandputouthisnets.Theyhadfishedallnightwithnoluck.Idon’tthinkSimonthoughttheywouldhavemuchluck,buthedidasJesusasked.Thecatchwassolargeitalmostbrokethenetsandfilledbothboatstowheretheywerealmostsinking.WhentheygotthecatchtoshoreSimonandAndrewhisbrotherandtheirpartnersJamesandJohnwereastonishedatthesizeofthecatchandalsoalittleafraid.Jesustoldthem,“Don’tbeafraid;fromnowonyouwillcatchmen.”SotheylefttheirboatsandfollowedJesus.Theironlyjobbeforewastocatchfish,thatwasit.Buttheygaveuponekindofcatchingforanotherkindofcatching.TheybeganawalkwithJesusthatdaythatenabledthemtogrowintheirfaithtothepointofcatchingmen,women,boys,andgirlsforJesus.Wehavethesamecalltoday.WeareallcalledtobecatchersfortheKingdom.TheequipmentweneedtobecomethatkindofcatcherisalifelivedforChrist.CanthewaywearelivingourlivestodaydrawpeopleclosertoChrist?CanpeopleseeJesuslivingthroughus?Abullpencatcherhasonlyonetask,tocatch.AsabelieverourtaskistocatchfortheKingdombylivingforChrist.Thecallhascomeforus?Arewereadytocatch?

Visualaid:catcher’smittandmask

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheChange‐Up

ScriptureLesson:James1:19‐20

TheChange‐Upisapitchthatdoesjustthat,itchangesspeed.Pitchersusethechangeuptokeepthebattersoffbalance.Thepitchisusuallythrownafterafastball.Itismuchslowerthanafastballandoftentimesbattersareoutinfrontofthepitchortheyswingwaytooearly.TrevorHoffman,whoisthecareersavesleaderforMajorLeagueBaseball,creditshisgreatchange‐upforhissuccess.GregMaddux,manyyearsanAll‐Starpitcherhadagreatchange‐upheusedformanysuccessfulseasons.Thesuccessofthechange‐upcanbelinkedtothefastballanditsspeed.ThisSLOWERpitchhashelpedmanyapitchergettothenextlevelintheirbaseballcareers.

Intoday’sScripturelesson,Jamesistryingtothrowusachange‐up,nottogetusoffbalance,buttobringsomebalancetoourlives.Jamesimploresustobequicktolisten,slowtospeak,andslowtobecomeangry.Howanytimesdowedotheopposite?Mostofthetime,aren’tweslowtolistenandquicktospeakandbecomeangry?Jamesisthrowingusachange‐uptogetustochange‐upourlives.Whenisthelasttimewewerequicktolisten,wantingknowledgeinsteadofthinkingwealreadyknoweverything?Whenisthelasttimewewereslowtospeak?Youknowwecan’tlistenandtalkatthesametime!Whenisthelasttimewetookatimeoutfromangerandwasslowtogetmad?Myfriends,lifewillbemuchbetterwhenwetakethechange‐upJamesthrowsustodayandmakeitapartofourdailylives.Let’sgiveitatry,quicktolisten,slowtospeak,andslowtobecomeangry.Alifechange‐upthatissuretomakeadifferenceinlivingforHim.

Visualaid:Letdifferentpitchersshowtheirgripforachange‐uporgooglechange‐upgrip.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheCloser

Scripture:Luke24:44‐48

In1969MajorleagueBaseballbegankeepinganewstatistic,thesave.Thesaveiswhenapitchercomesintothegamelateandholdstheleadforhisteamthus“savingthegame.”ThealltimesavesleaderinbaseballisTrevorHoffmanwhohasatotalof591careersavesafterthe2009season.Thesereliefpitchingspecialistsarecalledclosers.ThegreatestcloserofalltimeexpertswouldsayisnotHoffmanbutthemanwhoentersthegametothismusic(playthebeginningof“EntertheSandman”byMetallica).MarianoRiveraoftheNewYorkYankeesisconsideredbaseball’sbestcloser.Hisabilitytopitchpressuregamesintheplayoffshaselevatedhisstaturetothebestever.His0.74earnedrunaverageandhis39postseasonsavesrankasbestamongclosersinpostseasonhistory.

ButIwouldsaythateventhoughMarianoRiverahaspitchedhisbestinthepressureofthepostseason,heisnotthebestcloserever.IwouldsaythebestclosereverisJesus.JesusChristwithHisdeathandresurrectionmadethegreatestsaveofalltime.HissacrificeonCalvary’scrossenabledallofustobesavedfromoursinsandtospendeternitywithHiminheaven.JesusChristclosedoutthepenaltyforoursinwithHisdeathandresurrection.Theonlywaywecaneverwinatthegameoflifeistoallowthegreatestcloser,JesusChrist,tobecometheLordofourlives.AswebelieveinHimandwhatGoddidforusbyallowingHisonlySontopaythepriceforoursins,wecanonlythenbecomeawinneratlife.Areyouawinneratlife?HasJesusmadeadifferenceinyourlife?Thegreatestcloserintheworldisonlyaprayeraway.

VisualAid‐BoomboxwithMetallicaCDof“EntertheSandman”

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheConcessionStand

ScriptureLesson:Mark10:46‐52

OneoftheplacesIwillalwaysgowhenIgowatchabaseballgameistheconcessionstand.ConcessionstandsaretherestaurantsoftheBaseballDiamond.Thereissomethingaboutpopcornatagame,itjusttastesbetter.Concessionstandsserveallkindsofwonderfulthings,hotdogs,softdrinks,peanuts,popcorn,CrackerJack,allkindsofcandy,andtheAmericanBaseballstaples,sunflowerseedsandbubblegum.Concessionstandsareusuallymannedbypeoplewhoarereadytoserve.Theywillgladlygetyouanythingonthemenuyouaskforinatimelymanner.Whatisyourfavoritethingtogetataconcessionstand?Besuretoalwaysthankthepeopleworkingintheconcessionstand,theyaretheretogetyouwhatyouwant!

Intoday’sScripturelesson,JesusisinJerichoonthewaytoJerusalemforthelasttime.HeknowsatthispointinHisministryHisdeathonthecrossisapproachingrapidly.AsheisgettingintoJerichoablindbeggaronthesideoftheroadnamedBartimaeus,hearsJesusiscoming.Hegetsexcitedandbeginstocryout,”Jesus,SonofDavid,havemercyonme.”Manyinthecrowdtoldhimtobequiet,butBartimaeuswouldnotbesilent.Asamatteroffacthejustgotlouder.JesusstoppedandcalledforBartimaeustocometoHim.Jesusaskedhim,”Whatdoyouwantmetodoforyou?”theblindmansaid,“Rabbi,Iwanttosee.”“Goyourfaithhashealedyou.”ImmediatelyhereceivedhissightandfollowedJesusalongtheroad.BartimaeusaskedforhissightandJesusgavehimwhathewantedbecauseofhisfaith.Jesusiswaitingforustoaskhiminfaith.Hewantstogiveusthegoodthingsinlife.BartimaeusthankedJesusforgivinghimhissightbyfollowingHim.WhenisthelasttimewethankedJesusforansweringourprayers.Justliketheconcessionstandtherearealotofgoodthingsavailablejustfortheasking.Faith,love,joy,guidance,provisionareallthereandJesusisjustwaitingtoansweruswhenweask.God’sconcessionstandisopen,arewereadytoask?

Visualaid:smallpacksofsunflowerseedsorpiecesofbubblegumfortheplayers

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheCurveBall

ScriptureLesson:James1:22‐25

TheCurveballisapitchofdeception.Thekeytothepitchisthetopspinthatisplacedonthethrownball,whichcausedtheballtodrop.Theobjectofthecurveballisforittobreakbelowtheswingofthebat.Agreatcurveballoftentimesresultsinalotofswingsandmisses.OneofthebestcurveballsofalltimebelongedtoHallofFamepitcherSandyKoufax.Arthritisinhisleftelbowbroughtthiscareertoaprematureendafterthe1966WorldSeries.Koufaxhadablazingfastballtogoalongwithhiskneebucklingcurveball.Koufaxthrewfourno‐hittersinhiscareerandoneofthemwasaperfectgame.BarryZitooftheGiantsandRoyOswaltoftheAstroshavetwoofthebestcurveballstoday.Rememberitisapitchofdeception.

InourScripturelesson,Jameswarnsusaboutbeingdeceived.Hewarnsusaboutacurveballinlifewhenhesays,”DonotmerelylistentotheWordandsodeceiveyourselves.Dowhatitsays.”ItisnotenoughforustohearhowtoliveforGod.ItisnotenoughforustoknowwhattodotoliveaproductiveChristianlife.Thedeceptioncomeswhenwejusthearandwedon’tfollowthroughbyputtingwhatwehearintopractice.Nikehadacommercialthatsaid,“Justdoit!”Jamesissayingthesamethingtoustoday.Justdoit!LiveforGoddailybyhearingandknowingwhattodo,andtotakethestepofbeingonewhoputswhatweknowintopractice!Jamessaysthemanthatdoeswhathehasheardwillbeblessed.Satanhasbeencalledthegreatdeceiver.Hewantsustojustbehearersnotdoers.Thatisthecurvehethrowsus.WhenwearedoersoftheWord,watchmyfriendstheblessingswillflow.Whatarewetoday,justhearersorarewedoersaswell?

Visualaid:youtubeSandyKoufaxhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDgMXFBHLP0and/orhaveapitchershowhiscurveballgripand/orgooglehowtogripacurveballanddemonstrate

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheDouble

ScriptureLesson:Proverbs3:5‐6

Thedoubleorthetwobasehitusuallytakesapersonwhohadgoodspeedandpower,speedtolegoutthedoublesandpowertohitthegaps.IfyouhadtoguesswholeadstheMajorLeaguesindoublessince2004whowouldyouguess?TheMajorLeagueleaderindoubleshashit278doubles,andjustthisyear(2009)settheMajorLeaguerecordfordoublesbyaswitchhitterwith56.Heisoneofonly4playersinMajorLeaguehistorytohave3seasonswithatleast50doubles.Theotherthree,StanMusial,PaulWaner,andTrisSpeakerareallintheHallofFame.IfyouguessedBrianRobertsleadoffhitterfortheBaltimoreOriolesyouguessedright.Brianisadoubleshittingmachine,averaging46doublesoverthesixyearspan.Robertsisthemasterofthetwobasehit.

Intoday’sScripturelessonwereadBrian’stwofavoriteverses,Proverbs3:5‐6.Hischaritablefoundationalsocarriesthetitle“Proverbsthreefiveandsix”.Ifwetakethetimetomasterthesetwoverses,wewillindeedbeawinnerinthegameoflife.IfwetrustinGodwithallofourhearts,notrelyinguponourselvesandifweacknowledgeHimineverything,thenGodwillguideusthroughlife.Whatawonderfultruth.Wow,GoddesiresforustotrustHim,tofollowHim,toacknowledgeHim.IfwedoallofthatHewillleadusthroughlife.Talkaboutbeingawinnerinlife.IsurewantGodshowingmetheway,howaboutyou?Letmechallengeeachofustodaytomemorizethese2versesfromProverbsandmakethemapartofeachofourlives.Wemaynotleadtheleagueintwobasehits,butifwelivelifebythesetwoverseswewillbealeaderinGod’seyes!Proverbs3:5‐6thetwobasehitoftheGodlylife.

Visualaid:GotoOrioles.comanddownloadthevideoofRobert’s56thdouble.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheFourSeamFastball

Scripture:Luke11:5‐13

Everypitcherknownasapowerpitcherhasagreatfourseamfastball.Thispitchtendstohavealotofmovementandisthrownwithgreatvelocity.HallofFamepitcherNolanRyan,nowPresidentoftheTexasRangers,whopitchedintohis40’swasknownforhisfourseamfastballthatwasoftenclockedintheupper90’s.NolanRyanhastheMajorLeaguerecordforcareerstrikeoutswith5,714.Manyofthosestrikeoutswereduetohisfourseamfastball.Wheneverpowerpitchersgetintroubletheyreachbackforalittleextraandthrowtheirpowerpitch,thefourseamfastball.Thatpitchmoreoftenthannotprovidedthemawaytogetoutoftroubleandretiretheside.

Intoday’sScriptureLessonJesusisteachingustobepersistentinaskingGodfortheHolySpirit.AnyChristianwhoisservingGodisdoingsothroughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.GodisjustwaitingbecauseofHisgreatloveforustogiveustheHolySpirit,thepowersource.Whenwestrugglewithlife,itisGod’sSpiritthatprovidesthedirectionandpowerweneedtoovercomethetoughtimes.JustlikeapowerpitcherlikeNolanRyanhadthepowerofa98mileperhourfastball,wehavethepoweroftheindwellingHolySpirit.Everyoneoneofyouwhoisapitcherwouldliketohaveagreatfourseamfastballintheupper90’s.AsabelieveritmakessensethenforustohavetherealpowerofGodinourlives,theHolySpirit.Andthegreatthingisforthosewhobelieve,GodisjustwaitingforustoaskforHispower,HisHolySpirit.TodayhaveyoubeentryingtolivetheChristianlifeinyourownstrengthandpower?Justthink,GodiswaitingtogiveusHisHolySpiritandallwehavetodoiskeeponasking.AreyoureadytoliveyourlifebyGod’spower?Thepowerisonlyaprayeraway!

Visualaid:Askapitcherifoldertoshowhisfourseamfastballgrip.Besuretohaveabaseball.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐Fundamentals

ScriptureLesson:Matthew7:24‐27

Baseballisagreatgame.Toplaythegameatthehighestlevelonehastopracticethefundamentals.Itisnotenoughtojustknowhowtocatch,hitandthrow.Inordertoplaythegameatahighlevelthefundamentalshavetobemastered.Theonlywaytogetbetteristopractice.Howmuchtimedoyouspendpracticingthefundamentalsofcatching,hitting,andthrowing?OneofthebestshortstopsplayingnowintheMajorLeaguesisYankeesshortstopDerekJeter.Jeterisoneofthehardestworkersinbaseball.Allyouhavetodoiswatchhimduringbattingpractice.Heiseitherhittingortakinggroundballs,constantlyworkingtogetbetter.Throughthecourseofhiscareerhehasmadealotofgreatfieldingplaysaswellasgettingkeyhits.Eventhoughheisanall‐star,Jeterworkshardinpracticetomasterthefundamentals.Henotonlyknowsthegame,butheworkshardtogetbettereachday.Wow,ifDerekJeterworksthathard,howhardshouldyouwork?

Intoday’sScripturelesson,JesusiswrappingupperhapsHisgreatestteachingtimerecordedinScriptureknownastheSermonontheMount.Matthewchaptersfivethroughsevencontaintheseteachings.JesusendstheSermonontheMountbysayingtothepeopleitisnotenoughtojusthearHiswords,thosewordsneedtobeputintopractice.Heusesthewordpictureofawiseandfoolishbuilder.ThewisepersonwhohearsJesus’wordsandputsthemintopracticeislikethemanwhobuilthishouseontherock,orthestrongfoundation.Whenthestormscamethehousestoodstrongbecauseitwasbuiltonarock.ThefoolishmanwhohearsthewordsofJesusanddoesnotputthemintopracticeislikethemanwhobuildshishouseonthesand.Whenthestormscamethehousecollapsedbecausethefoundationwasnotstrong.Justlikeyoubuildagreatbaseballplayerbypracticingthefundamentals,agreatChristianisdevelopedbypracticingthefundamentalsofthefaith.IfwespendtimestudyingGod’sWordandputtingitstruthtoworkinourlivesdailybylivingforHim,wewillbecomeaChristianwhocanwithstandthestormsoflife.ThekeytotheChristianlifeisputtingintopracticethefundamentalswelearnfromGod’sWord.Whatdoyousay?AreyoureadytogetaftertheChristianLife?Thenlet’sgettoworkdailyonpracticingthefundamentalsoffaithandbuildingthatstrongfoundation.

Visualaid:youtubevideohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opW9Lmi_tSsGreatJeterplay!

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheHomeRun

ScriptureLesson:Luke15:11‐24

Therehavebeensomedramatichomerunsinbaseballhistory.Someofthegreatestmomentsinbaseballhistoryhavecomeaboutbecauseofthehomerun.BabeRuthhittinghomerunnumber60,RogerMarishittingnumber61in1961fortheYankees,HankAaronhittingnumber715breakingthecareerrecordofBabeRuthinApril1974,justtonameafew.TherehavebeentwowalkoffHomerunstowintheWorldSeries,BillMazeroskihittingagamewinninghomeruninthebottomoftheninthagainsttheheavilyfavoredYankeesforthePiratestowinthe1960WorldSeriesandJoeCarteroftheTorontoBlueJayshittinganinthinningwalk‐offhomerunagainstthePhilliesintheFallClassicof1993.Theseareallgreatmomentsinbaseballandgreathomerunsthatmadeadifferenceinbaseballhistory.

Butthegreatesthomerunofallwasnotoneofthehomerunsmentionedabove.ThegreatesthomerunisfoundinourScripturelessontoday.Ibelievetheprodigalsonmadethegreatesthomeruninallofhistory.Jesustellsaparableaboutasonwhogoestohisfatherandasksforhisinheritance.Thefathergavethesonhisinheritanceandoffthesonwenttoafarland.Therehewastedthemoney,allofitonwildliving.Hehadallthefriendsmoneycouldbuyaslongashehadthemoney.Whenthemoneyranoutsodidthefriendsandtocompoundtheproblem,afaminehittheland.Hehadtotakeajobfeedingpigs,abouttheworsejobaJewishyoungmancouldtake.Hewassohungry,hewaswillingtoeatthefoodhewasfeedingtothepigs.Verse17says“Whenhecametohissenses”.Wow,thehiredservantsofmyfatherhaveitbetterthanthis.Maybejustmaybe,myfatherwilltakemebackasahiredservant.Allthewayhomehepracticeshisspeech,“FatherIhavesinnedagainstheavenandagainstyou.Iamnolongerworthytobecalledyourson;makemeasoneofyourhiredhands.”Whenhewasstillalongwayaway,hisfathersawhimandwasfilledwithcompassionforhim.Hehuggedhissonandastheboybeganhisspeechthefatherinterruptedhim.Hecommandedtheservantstobringtherobeandring(signifyingsonship).theythrewacelebrationbecausethefathersaidhissonwasoncedead,butnowisalive.SothegreatesthomeruneverwastheprodigalsonwhoranhometoGod.Heiswaitingforusnow,whynotrunhometoHim?

Visualaid:mlb.comsearchforhomeruns

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheKnuckleball

ScriptureLesson:Jeremiah10:23,2Thessalonians3:5

TheKnuckleballisprobablythehardestpitchtohitandtocatch.Notonlydoesthepitchernotknowwhereitisgoing,itisverydifficultforthecatchertocatchitafteritcrossestheplate.CurrentannouncerandformercatcherBobUeckersaid,”Ialwaysthoughttheknuckleballwastheeasiesttocatch.Waittilitstopsrolling,thengotothebackstopandpickitup.”HallofFamepitchersPhilNiekroandHoytWilhelmmadetheirlivingthrowingtheknuckleball,aswellascurrentBostonRedSoxhurlerTimWakefield.Theknuckleball’svelocityisusuallybetween60‐80mph,slowbytoday’sbigleaguestandards.Youcan’tdirecttheknuckleball,itseemstohaveamindofitsown.Itmoves,darts,dipsanddropsineveryimaginabledirection.Thatiswhyyouoftenseeknuckleballpitcherswithhighbaseonballsstatsandalotofwildpitches.

Intoday’sScripturelessonwelearnfromtheprophetJeremiahthataman’slifeisnothisownanditisnotforamantodirecthissteps.WhilePaulteachesusinhislettertotheChurchatThessalonicathathewantstheLordtodirectourheartsintoGod’sloveandChrist’sperseverance.Wegetintotroublewhenwetrytodirectourownlives.Forustodothatisassillyastryingtodirectaknuckleball.WhatGoddesiresfromustoletHimshowustheway,todirectourlives.WhenwerealizethatoutlivesarenotourownandGod’splansforusarebetterthananythingwecouldeverimagine.Itisallaboutsurrender.Uecker’sideaofcatchingtheknuckleballwassurrender,heknewitwaseasiertojustgoandpickitup.WeneedtosurrenderourwilltoGod.Hewillshowusthewayhewantsustogo,awayofloveandperseverance.ArewereadytodaytoletgoandletGod?HewillgiveusallthedirectionwewilleverneedandHeisonlyaprayerawaytodayfromtakingovertodirectourlives.

VisualAid:Haveaplayershowaknuckleballgripwiththebaseballorgooglethegripandshowthemyourself.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheLScreen

ScriptureLesson:Psalm28:6‐9

TheLscreenisthebattingpracticepitcher’sbestfriend.TheLscreenisaprotectivescreenshapedlikeanLthatthebattingpracticepitcherthrowsbehind.CanyouimaginethrowingbattingpracticetoyourplayerswithouttheprotectionoftheLscreen?TheLscreenisavaluablepieceofequipment.Itistheshieldforlinedrivesbackthroughthemiddlewhenthrowingbattingpractice.Asahitter,doyourememberhittingtheLscreen?I’msureyourcoachwasgladthathehadthatLscreenshieldingandprotectinghimfromthoselinedrives.IntheMajorLeagues,battingpracticepitchersneverwearaglove.Theyalwayshaveahandfulofbaseballssotheycankeepbattingpracticemovingalong.Sotheyhavetohavethatgreatfriendofthebattingpracticepitcher,theLscreen.

Intoday’sScripturelessonthePsalmistcallstheLordhisstrengthandshield.HeknewthatGodwasgoingtoprotecthim,watchoverhim,andhelphim.JustlikethebattingpracticepitchertruststheLscreen,thePsalmisttrustsGodtobehisshieldandprotector.TheLordisthestrengthofhispeopleandthePsalmistcallsonGodtoshepherdHispeople.Whatagreatwordpicture.Ashepherd’smajorresponsibilityistolookoutforthesheep.MuchinthesamewayGodlooksoutforusandwhenweallowHim,Hewillleadandguideus.WecanapproachlifewiththetrustinGodtobethereforus.Godwillneverletusdown,Hewillalwaysbethereforus.SothenexttimeyouseetheLscreenrememberitsjobistoprotectthebattingpracticepitcherandGodisheretobeourshieldandprotectoragainstwhateverthisworldthrowsatus.WhynotstopwhereyouarerightnowandthankGodforHimlovingusthismuchtobeourshieldandprotector?MayweneverforgetjusthowmuchGodlovesusanddesiresfromusthatwetrustHimwithallourhearts.

Visualaid:IfpossiblegetsomeplayerstobringovertheLscreenorgoogleapictureofanLscreenandprintittobring.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheOutfieldAssist

ScriptureLesson:Mark2:1‐12

Oneofthemoreexcitingplaysinbaseballistheoutfieldassist.Outfieldersgetanassistwhentheythrowoutarunnertryingtoadvanceabase.Thiscanbeagamechangingeventespeciallywhentheoutfieldassistoccursathome.In2009theMajorleagueleaderinassistswasHunterPenceoftheHoustonAstroswith16followedbyRedSoxJasonBaywith15.Theoutfieldassisthelpsnotonlythepitcherbuttheteamtooftentimesstoparally.Theoutfieldassistcanchangethedirectionandoutcomeofthegame.

InourScripturelessontoday,wefindthatJesusispreachingtoanoverflowcrowd.Therearesomanypeoplethattheyarecrammedintothehouseandpressedaroundthehouse.FourfriendsheardaboutJesusandhishealingministry.Theyhadafriendwhowasparalyzed.TherewasnowaytogethimthroughthecrowdtoJesus,sotheyclimbedupontheroofwiththeparalyzedmanonamat.ThefriendsopenedtheroofandwithropesbegantolowerthemantoJesus.Jesussawtheirfaithandsaidtotheman,“Yoursinsareforgiven.”Heinstructsthemantotakeuphismatandwalk.Verse12says,“Hegotup,tookhismatandwalkedoutinfullviewofthemall.Thisamazedeveryone.ThefourfriendsgottheassistforbringingtheirfriendtoJesus.Itcouldhavebeeneasytogiveupandgohome,butnothingwasgoingtokeepthemfromgettingtheirfriendtoJesus.ThegreatestassistwecaneverhaveistobringafriendtoJesus.Itwillbelifechangingforthem.Justliketheoutfieldassistcanchangeagame,bringingafriendtoJesuscanchangealife.YoucanbringafriendtoJesusbydoingsomethingassimpleasinvitingthemtogotoChurchwithyoutolivingyourlifelikeJesuswouldwantyoutolive.IcanjustseeJesussmilingupatthefourfriendswhobroughttheirfriendtoHim,andsmilingatyouwhenyoubringafriendtoHim.

Visualaid:Gotomlb.comandprintoutstatsonoutfieldassists.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐ThePassedBall

ScriptureLesson‐Mark10:10‐17

Apassedballisjustthat,aballthatshouldhavebeencaughtbythecatcherisdroppedormissed.Theballgetspassedthecatcher.Onstrikethreethisallowsthebattertoattempttobeatthethrowtofirst.Italsoallowsrunnersonbasetoadvance.Themostfamouspastballinbaseballhistoryoccurredinthe1941WorldSeriesbetweenheatedrivalstheBrooklynDodgersandtheNewYorkYankees.Letmesetthestage.TheYankeesareaheadtwogamestoone.GamethreegoestotheninthinningwiththeDodgersholdinga4‐3lead.TheirreliefaceHughCaseyisonthemound.CaseyretiresthefirsttwohittersandupcomesTommyHenrich,knownasOldReliable.Henrichoftencamethroughintheclutch.Caseygets2quickstrikestogoaheadinthecount0‐2.TheDodgersareonestrikeawayfromtyingtheSeriesat2‐2.Henrichswingsandmissesforstrikethree,butDodgercatcherMickeyOwenmissedtheball.Itrolledallthewaytothebackstop,withHenrichreachingfirstonthepassedball.TheYankeesproceededtoscore4unearnedrunsandwinthegame7‐4.ThenextdaytheYankeeswrappeduptheSerieswitha3‐1win.ThemostfamouspassedballinbaseballhistoryprobablycosttheDodgersachanceatwinningthe1941WorldSeries.

Intoday’sScripturelessonweseesomeonewhomissed,missedtheopportunityforheaven.Jesuswasapproachedbyontheroadbyamanwhowantedtoknowwhatitwouldtaketoinheriteternallife.Jesussaiddoyouknowthecommandments.Oh,yesalltheseIhavekeptsinceIwasaboy.TheBiblesaysJesuslookedonhimandHelovedhim.Onlyonethingyoulack,goandselleverythingyouhaveandgiveittothepoor,thencomefollowme.Theman’sfacefell,andhewentawaybecausehehadgreatwealth.Jesussawthattheman’smoneystoodinthewayofhimgivinghisallforJesus.HelovedhismoneymorethanJesus.(TherecanbenothinginourlivesmoreimportantthanJesus,notevenbaseball.)Therichyoungmanmissedachanceforeternallife,itcosthimsomethingfarmoreimportantthataWorldSeriesvictory,itcosthimhiseternaldestiny.Dowehaveanythinginourlivesthatwouldcauseustomissthechanceatheaven?IsthereanythinginourlivesrightnowmoreimportantthanourrelationshipwithChrist?Let’snotmissthechanceatagreatChristianlife!!

Visualaid:GoogleMickeyOwenBrooklynDodgersimages

BaseballTeamDevotion‐ThePick‐Off

ScriptureLesson:Hebrews3:12‐13

Oneofthegreatestweaponsastartingpitchercanhaveisagoodpick‐offmovetofirst.Thatkeepsrunnersfromusuallystealingalotofbasesanditalsocutsdowntheleadatfirst.Whenapitcherhasagreatpick‐offmoveyoucanbelievethatthebaserunnerswillnotstrayfarfromthebase.Whentheydoitoftenresultsinthemdivingbacktothebaseorbeingpickedoff.Duringthe2009seasonthetopthreeinpick‐offswerealllefthanded,MarkBuehrieoftheWhiteSoxledtheMajorswitheight,followedbyDougDavisoftheDiamondbacksandClaytonKershawoftheDodgerswithseveneach.Thesepitchersareknownforkeepingrunnersclose.Thekeytoagoodpick‐offmoveisdeception.Thebaserunnermuststruggletoknowwhenthepitcherwillgototheplateorthrowovertofirst.Agoodpick‐offmoveisdeceptiveandkeepsrunnersclose.

Intoday’sScripturelessonthewriterofHebrewswarnsthechurchofbeinghardenedbysin’sdeceitfulness.Thechurchhadfallenintothetrapofbeingcomfortableintheirfaithandrelyinguponthemselves.Runnersoftentimesgetpickedoffwhentheyaretoocomfortableandtheirleadistoobig.Thusitiseasyforthemtobefooled.Thekeytonotgettingpicked‐offinsinistorealizethesamethingsholdtrue.Satanwantstofoolus,hewantsustobepicked‐offinsin.Hewilltelluslieslike,noonewilleverknow,heythissinisfun,goaheadifitfeelsgooddoit.AllofthesearedeceptionsSatanusestotrytogetustosin.IfSatancanpickusoffwithsinwecan’tbeallwecanforGod.Justlikebaserunnersstudyapitcher’smove,wecanstudyGod’sWordanduseitagainstSatan.ThemoreweknowaboutwhatGodwantsfromusthebetterwecanbeinlivingforHim.Satancan’tpick‐offafollowerofGodwhoispreparedandlivingforHim.SotodayisSatanhardeningourheartsbyoursin?ArewespendingenoughtimeinGod’sWordtoprepareustonotbedeceived?Godisaprayerawayandiswillingtoforgiveoursinsandmistakes,ifweask.Godwillalsohelpusnottogetpicked‐offinsin.RememberSatanisdeceptiveandwilldohisbesttopickusoff.ButwithGod’shelpandbystudyingHisWord,Satancannotwin.Let’sgoouttodayandstaysafefromsinbygivingourlivestoGodandthestudyofHisWord.

Visualaid:greatyoutubevideofeaturingnowTampaRayDavidPricehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhCGxClOeVc

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheRBI

ScriptureLesson:Luke15:1‐10

TheRBIorrunbattedinisastatisticthatcanbringgreatjoytoyourteam,especiallyifitisagamewinningRBI.CanyounamethewaysaplayercanbecreditedwithanRBI?(basehit,sacrificefly,groundoutthatscoresarun,squeezeplay,basesloadedwalk,basesloadedhitbatsman).DidyouknowtheMajorLeaguerecordforRBIsinasingleseasonis191byChicagoCubHackWilsonin1930?Thatrecordwassetina154gameseason.TheMajorLeaguerecordforRBIsinacareerisheldbyHankAaronoftheBraveswith2297RBIs.ThatisalotofRBIs!CanyourememberthejoythatcametoyourteamwithawalkoffRBItowinthegame?Itisafeelingofpurejoy!HaveyoueverhadagamewinningRBI?Howdiditfeel?

Intoday’sScripturelesson,JesushasgatheredaroundHimtohearHimteachacollectionofsinnersandtaxcollectors.ThePhariseesorreligiousleadersofthedaycouldnotbelievethatJesuswelcomedthosepeople.Jesusoftentaughtinparablesorwordpicturesthatmadeheavenlypoints.Hetells2parablesofpeoplewhohadlostsomething.Inthefirstparableashepherdhadlostoneofhisonehundredsheep.Thesecondparableisaboutawomanwholostoneofheretensilvercoins.Inbothparablesthelostsheepandcoinweresearchedforuntiltheywerefound.Whenthesheepandthecoinwerefoundtherewasgreatrejoicing.Jesus’pointintheparablesissimple.WhensomeonewhoisawayfromGodreturnsthereisgreatjoyinheaven.ThejoyofthegamewinningRBIiswonderful,butitpalestothecelebrationthatoccursinheavenwhensomeonecomestoGod.Thatcelebrationisgreaterthanimaginable!TodaywhereareyouwithGod?AreyoulivingforHim?MaybeasaChristianthereissomeoneyouneedtotellaboutJesus.Wanttosetoffacelebrationinheaven?ThenmakeyourliferightwithGodtoday.Heisonlyaprayeraway!WhynotdriveinaheavenlyrunfortheKingdombytellingthegoodnewsaboutJesustosomeonewhoneedstohearandbylivingforChristeachandeveryday.Thatmyfriendswillsetoffthegreatestofallcelebrations!

Visualaid:GreatyoutubevideoofTigersclinchingALpennantin2006http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKQnkFkOaFQ

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheSacrificeBunt

ScriptureLesson:1John2:1‐2

TheSacrificebuntisaplayinbaseballwherethebatterliterallysacrificeshisatbattomovetherunner(s)upabase.DidyouknowthattheMajorLeagueLeaderinsacrificebuntsforthisyear(2009)wasJavierVazquez,apitcherfortheBraves,with20.NewYorkMetsecondbasemanLuisCastillohad19sacrificebuntsfollowedbyAstrosecondbasemanKazMatsuiwith18.Tobeamongtheleagueleadersinsacrificebunts,onemustnotonlybeagoodbunter,butalsobewillingtogiveupatbatstomovetherunnersalong.Itisaplaythatputsyourteaminapositiontoscorearunorruns.Baseballrecognizestheunselfishgivingdonewithasacrificebuntbynotcharginganofficialatbattothepersoncreditedwiththesacrificebunt.Soitreallyturnsouttobeafreeatbattohelpyourteamwhenthesacrificebuntissuccessful.

OurScripturelessontodayremindsusofthegreatestofallsacrifices.JesusChrististheatoningsacrificefornotonlyoursinsbutthesinsoftheentireworld.Jesuscametothisworldforonlyonepurpose.Thatpurposewastodie.Hecametothisworldfromthegloriesofheaventodieforoursinsandmistakes.Hepaidthepricewecouldneverpayforthemistakeswehavemade.GodgladlygavethelifeofHisSon,Jesustobethesacrificeforoursins.Hisdeathonthecrossgivesustheopportunitytoacceptthefreegiftofsalvation.Itisfreeforus,butitcostAlmightyGodthelifeofHisSon.WhoisJesustoyoutoday?IsHeyourSavior?HaveyougivenHimyourheartandlife?MaybetodayweneedtocleanthesinoutofourlivesbyconfessingthosesinstoHimandaskingforforgiveness.Don’teverforgetwhatJesusdidforyouandme.Hepaidthepriceforoursinsandgivesusawaytospendeternityinheaven.Thesacrificebuntcanputusinthepositiontowinthegame.WhatJesusdidforusgivesustheopportunitytobeawinnerinthegameoflife.IamsogladHelovesusthatmuch!

Visualaid:Greatmusicvideoaboutcrucifixiononyoutubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNgbBYdDZA8AlsoanyclipfromthePassionoftheChrist.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheScrewball

ScriptureLesson:Romans7:15‐25

TheScrewballisapitchthatdoesjusttheoppositeofausualbreakingball.(Thispitchshouldonlybethrownatanadvancedagewhenthearmhasreachedmaturity.)Insteadofabreakingpitchfromarighthandedpitcherbreakingtowardsaleft‐handedbatter,theballwillbreakawayfromtheleft‐handedbatter.PerhapsthemostfamousscrewballpitcherofalltimewasapitcherwhopitchedforthethenNewYorkGiants,HallofFamerCarlHubbell.Inthe1934All‐StarGame,Hubbellaccomplishedanamazingfeatofpitching.ThefirsttwobattersreachedbaseandupcameBabeRuth.HubbellproceededtoendthefirstbystrikingoutHallofFamers,BabeRuth,LouGerhig,andJimmyFoxx.HubbellcontinuedthestrikeoutbarrageinthesecondbystrikingoutHallofFamersAlSimmonsandJoeCronin.FiveHallofFamehittersallstruckoutinarow,Hubbell’sscrewballwasthekeypitch.Thescrewballdoesjusttheoppositeanditisdifficulttohit.

InourScripturelessontoday,theApostlePaulisstruggling.Hedoesn’tunderstandwhatheisdoing,forwhathewantstodohedoesn’tdoandwhathedoesnotwanttodohedoes.Heseemstobedoingjusttheopposite.Paulrealizesaveryimportantfactoflife.Sincausesustodowhatweshouldnotbedoingandtoleaveundonethethingsweshouldbeaboutdoing.Thereisonlyonecureforoppositelivinganditisfoundinverse25.“ThanksbetoGod‐throughJesusChristourLord.”PaulgoesoninChapter8tosaythereisnocondemnationforthosewhoareinChristJesus.Whenlifethrowsusascrewball,whenweseemtobedoingthethingsweshouldnotbedoingandfailtodothethingsweknowweshouldbedoing,theonlywaytogetahitinlifeistogiveouralltoChrist.HeforgivesusoursinsandgivesustheinnerstrengththroughtheHolySpirittobattleagainsttheforcesofevil.Satanisallthrowingusscrewballs,tryingtogetustodotheopposite.ButwithChristonourside,nomatterhowgoodSatan’sscrewballis(evenbetterthanHubbell’s),wewillgetahiteverytime.SayingyestoChristgivesusthepowertodefeatevilandtolivethelifewewanttoliveforHim.Beenfailinginthegameoflife?MaybeitistimetotrusttheSavior,andgiveyourlifetoHimtotallyandcompletely.

Visualaid:googlehowtothrowascrewballandshowtheplayersthegripandmotionwithaball.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheSingle

ScriptureLesson:John14:6

DidyouknowthattheMajorLeaguerecordforsinglesinaseasonwassetin2004byIchiroSuzukioftheSeattleMariners,whenhehitanastounding225singlesinhisrookieseason.Therearemanywaystogetasingle:abuntsingle,howaboutaninfieldhitthattherunnerbeatsthethrowtofirst,thereisthebloophitthatfallsbetweentheinfieldandtheoutfield,thereisalsothegroundballthatsneaksbetweentheinfielders,andfinallythesolidlinedrivethatfallsinfrontoftheoncomingoutfielder.Thereareanumberofwaystogetasingletogettherunnertofirst.Manyralliesinthegameofbaseballbeginwithasimplesingle.Canyouthinkofthelasttimeyourteamstartedagamewinningrallywithsomekindofasingle?Thatsinglegoteveryonestartedandhelpedsetthestageforacomebackwin.

Eventhoughtherearemanywaystogetasingle,tobesafeatfirst,thereisonlyonewaytobesafewithGod.OurScripturelessontodayisasplainascanbe.ThereisonlyONEWAYtobesafewithGodandthatisthroughHisSonJesusChrist.JesussaidthesewordsonthelastnightofHisearthlylifebeforehisdeathonthecross.HeistalkingtoHisdisciplesandwantsthemtoknowthateventhoughHeisgoingtodie,thatthroughHisdeathandresurrectionthatisthewaytoGod.TheonlywaytoexperiencethelifeofblessingsGodhasplannedforyouistoacceptHisSonasyourLordandSavior,togiveyourlifetoHim.TodayareyousafewithGod?DoyouknowwithoutadoubtthatifyoudiedtonightyouwouldspendeternitywithGodinheaven?Thereisonlyonewaytobesafe,onewaytobeabletoanswerthateternalquestionwithayes,thatisbytheLordJesusChristwhosays,“Iamtheway,andthetruth,andthelife.NoonecomestotheFatherexceptthroughme.”AreyousafewithGod?YouknowyoucanbeandHeisonlyaprayeraway.

Visualaid:Takeastopwatchandtimeafewoftheplayersrunningtofirst(beatingoutaninfieldsingle).Giveaprizetothewinner.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheSlider

ScriptureLesson:Joshua7:1‐5,11‐12,8:1‐2

Theslidercanbeaverytoughpitchtohit.Theslideristhefastestofthebreakingballs.ItsstrengthisitAPPEARStobeafastballandatthelastmomentthepitchhasaverysharpbreak.Hittersthinktheyaregoingtogetafastballandoftentimesagreatsliderwillthrowthemoffbalance.FutureHallofFamepitchersRandyJohnsonandJohnSmoltzareknownfordevastatingsliders.Thatiswhereagreatmanyoftheirstrikeoutsandvictoriescanbefound,inthemasteringoftheslider.ThesliderAPPEARStobesomethingitisnotandcancausealotofproblemsforhitterswhothinktheyareabouttogetafastball.Theslider’sstrengthisitAPPEARStobeafastball,butinfactitisabreakingball.

Intoday’sScripturelessonthechildrenofIsraelhavejustwonaveryimpressivevictoryagainstthecityofJericho.Godgavethemagreatvictoryandconfidencewasatanalltimehigh.ThenextcityintheirpathtoconquerthePromisedLandwasthesmallinsignificantcityofAi.Joshuasentoutscoutsandtheycamebacksayingthattheupcomingbattlewouldbeeasy,soeasyinfactweonlyneedtosendasmallpatofthearmytofight.SoJoshuasentonly3,000mentofightwhatAPPEAREDtobeaveryeasybattle.TheIsraeliteswereroutedfromthefieldandlost36menkilled.Confidencewasnowatanalltimelowwiththeunexpecteddefeat.WhenJoshuaapproachedGodwonderingwhatcouldhavegonewrong.EverythingAPPEAREDtobegreat.GodtoldJoshuasomeonehadsinnedandtookthingsfromJerichowhichwasforbidden.GodwouldnotbewiththemuntilthesinnerAchanwaspunished.HewasandinChapter8Godgavethepeopleagreatvictory.WhatAPPEAREDtobeasurevictorywastakenawaybecauseofsin.Ihavetowonder,howmanytimesdowethinkeverythingisgreatwheninfactsiniskeepingusfromlivingthevictoriousChristianlife?SatanwantstomakeitAPPEARthatoursinwon’tfindusoutandthatwecanjustgothroughthemotions.Todayourchallengeistolookatourselvesjustthewayweare.IsthereanythingkeepingusfromexperiencingthevictoriousChristianlifeGodhasinstoreforus?ThingsmayAPPEARgoodbutjustlikewiththeslider,wecanbefooled.Godisjustaprayeraway,whynotconfessthatsintoHimnowandcelebratethevictoryHehasforustoday.

VisualAid:letapitchershowyouhisslidergriporgooglehowtogripaslideranddemonstrate

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheSqueezePlay

ScriptureLesson:Matthew8:5‐13

Oneofthemostexcitingplaysinbaseballisthesqueezeplay.Asqueezeplayiswhenthereisarunneronthirdwithlessthan2outsandthemanagerorcoachgivesthesignforthebattertobunt.Theideaistogettherunnerinfromthirdbaseandtocatchthedefensebysurprise.Therearetwokindsofsqueezeplays:thesafetysqueezeiswhentherunneronthirdwaitsforthebattertobunttheballbeforebreakingtotheplate;thesuicidesqueezeiswhentherunnertakesoffforhomeasthepitcherisinhiswinduptrustingthebattertogetthebuntdown.Themanagerorcoachhastohaveagreatdealoftrustinthebatter’sabilitytobunttocallasqueezeplay,especiallyifitisasuicidesqueeze.Therunnerisatthemercyofthebatter’sbuntingskillsonthesuicidesqueeze,forifthebatterfailstogetthebuntdownthenthereisaneasyoutattheplate.Butwhenthemanagerorcoach’sfaithisshowntobetrue,thesqueezeplayiswortharun.Ihaveseengameswonontheexecutionofthesuicidesqueeze.

InourScripturelessontodayJesushasjustenteredCapernaumwhichservedasHishomebasearoundtheSeaofGalilee.ARomancenturion(soldier)cametoJesustoaskforHishelp.Thecenturion’sservantwasverysickandhefeltunworthytohaveJesuscometohishome.ThecenturionbelievedandhadsomuchfaithinJesus,ifHejustsaidthewordhisservantwouldbehealed.WhenJesussawthisgreatfaithHewasastonishedforHehadnotseenthatkindoffaithinanyoneinIsrael.Jesusturnedtothecenturionandsaid,“Go!Itwillbedonejustasyoubelieveditwould.”TheBiblesaystheservantwashealedatthatveryhour.Withasqueezeplaythemanager’sfaithinthebatter’sabilitytolaydownthebuntisoftenrewardedbyarunbeingscored.ThereisnogreatercallforaChristianthantohavefaithinJesusandinthepromisesfoundinGod’sWord.Howisourfaithtoday?DowebelieveenoughtotrustHimnomatterwhat?Godwillalwaysbethereforusandhisloveisunfailing.HesentChristtotheworldtodieforoursins.SinceJesusdiedforus,dowehavethefaithtoliveforHim?WhatagreatrewardwewillreceiveonedaywhenJesussaystous“Welldonegoodandfaithfulservant.”Allweneedistolivebyfaith!

VisualAid:Haveabatanddemonstrateabuntasyoutalkaboutthesqueezeplay.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheThirdBaseCoach

ScriptureLesson:Mark12:28‐33

TheThirdBaseCoachinbaseballplaysavitalroleinthegame.Hedirectsthegamefromhiscoachingbox.Incollege,highschool,andyouthleaguestheThirdBaseCoachismostoftentheHeadcoach.Whileinprofessionalbaseball,theThirdBaseCoachreceivessignsfromthedugoutandpassesthemontotheplayers.TheThirdBaseCoachdirectsthegamethroughaseriesofsignshegives.Hecantellahittertoswing,takeapitch,hitandrun,andbunt.Hecantellthebaserunnertostealornotandwhetherornottoadvancetothenextbaseorholdthere.Thesignsordirectionshegivesbecomemorecomplicatedtheoldertheplayersbecome.SometimesevenMajorLeagueplayerseithermissasignorhavetocalltimetoconferwiththeThirdBaseCoachtomakesurehehastherightsign.Signscanbeassimpleastouchingthesleevefortherunnertostealortouchingthebillofthecapforbunt.Thenexttimeyouseeaprofessionalgame,watchtheseriesofsignstheThirdBaseCoachgivesandhowhedirectsthegame.

Weareveryfortunatethatwehavesomeonewhowantstodirectthegameoflifeforus.Jesus,manytimesintheGospels,givesusdirectionsforhowtoliveourlives.Insteadofusingaseriesofsignsfromathirdbasecoachingbox,JesususeswordsfromHisheartandfromHisFather’sheart.InourScriptureLessontoday,Jesusisaskedwhichcommandmentisthemostimportantofall.Orinotherwordswhatisthebestdirectionyoucangiveus.JesusanswersbyquotingDeuteronomy6:4‐5,“Listen,Israel!TheLordourGod,TheLordisOne.LovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,withallyoursoul,withallyourmind,andwithallyourstrength.”ThenHeaddsasecond,“Loveyourneighborasyourself.”JesushasgivenusthesignsforalifecommittedtoGod,loveGodwitheverythingwehave,everypartofourbeing,asmuchaswecanandtoloveourneighbor.SoifwearetofollowHiscoachingwewillbeallaboutLOVE.DidyougetHissigns?AreyoureadytoexecutetheplayJesuscallsforinlife?Thenlet’slovelikeHecommandsustoeachandeveryday!

VisualAid:AskaplayerorcoachtogivetheteamsignforstealingorbuntingordotheelementarysignsdescribedaboveforthemtostarttheTeamDevotion.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheTriple

ScriptureLesson:1Corinthians9:24‐26a

Oneofthemostexcitingplaysinallofbaseballisthetriple.Itisalsotheplaythattakesthelongest.EventhoughAndrewMcCutcheonofthePittsburghPirateswasintheMinorLeaguesforthefirsttwoandone‐halfmonthsofthe2009season,hestillfinishedfifthintheNationalLeagueintripleswith9,only4behindtheleaderShaneVictarinoofthePhillies.McCutcheon,knowforhisspeed,wasableinhisfirstweektohit2triplesinonegameagainsttheAtlantaBraves.Hecanflyandadded22stolenbasestohisimpressiverookiecampaign.HewasnamedamemberoftheToppsAll‐RookieTeamandisoneofthecornerstonesintherebuildingprojectofthePirates.Hehasallfivetoolsforabaseballplayer,hecanhit,hitforpower,field,throw,andrun.Canheeverrun!!Theclosestthingtoaraceinbaseballisthetriple,astherunnerracestobeatthethrowtothird.

InourScriptureLessontodaytheApostlePaulwritestothechurchatCorinththesewordsaboutrunningarace(readtheScripture).Paulwantsustoruntheracecalledlifeinsuchawaytogettheprize.Paulistalkingaboutrunningtheraceoflife,runninginsuchawaytoreceivethegiftofeternallifeinheaven.TowintheracecalledlifewemustbeintrainingtofollowGoddailywithourlivesandtoliveforHim.WemustacceptthefreegiftofsalvationthroughthedeathandresurrectionofourLordJesusChrist.Satanwantsnothingmoreforustofallshort,togiveupandnotliveforGod.Hewantstothrowusoutbeforewecangetsafelytotheendofourlives.Ittakesspeedtogetatripleinbaseball.InlifeittakesdeterminationtobethebestwecanbeforGodtowintheracecalledlife.God’stripleisrunninginsuchawaytoglorifyHim,livingforHimeachday.Don’tletSatanthrowyououtgoingtothird,runinsuchawaytobeatSatanandliveforGod.Dothatandyouwillbesafeeverytimeintheracecalledlife.

VisualAid:GotoPirates.comandsearchToppsRookieAll‐StarMcCutcheonforvideohighlights.

BaseballTeamDevotion‐TheTwoSeamFastball

ScriptureLesson:Psalms46:1‐11

Whenapitchergetsintroublewithrunnersonbaseandisn’toverpowering,oftentimestheyresorttothetwoseamfastballorthesinker.Thisfastballtendstosinkwhichmakeshittingagroundballthedesiredresult.Forithasbeensaidthatadoubleplayisapitcher’sbestfriend.Whenpitcherscanthrowagoodtwoseamfastballgroundballsareoftenwhathappens.Withastronginfielddefense,adoubleplayusuallyhappensinthatsituation.Thedoubleplaytendstoeithergetthepitcheroutoftroubleorminimizethedamagedoneintheinning.Whenrunnersareonbase,haveyoueversaidtoyourpitcher,“Hey,throwusalittlegroundball.”Whatinfactyouaskinghimtodoisthrowthetwoseamfastballorsinkertogetoutoftroubleintheinning.

InourScripturelessontodaywelearnwherewecanturnwhenwegetintroubleinthegameoflife.Psalm46:1says,”Godisourrefugeandstrength,anever‐presenthelpintrouble.”Wow,whatanawesomepromisefromHisWord!Godwillbethereforustoprovidestrengthandrefuge.WeneednotbeafraidofwhattheworldcanthrowatusfortheBiblesaysGodisanever‐presenthelp.GodiswithusALWAYS!ThePsalmistgoesontosaythatnomatterwhathappens,earthquakesandstormsinlife,GodiswithusandHeisourfortress.Thenexttimeyougetreadytothrowthattwoseamfastballtogetthatgroundballoryouaskyourpitchertothrowalittlegroundballtogetoutoftrouble,rememberthatGodisalwaysthereforusinourtimeofneedandtrouble.WecanalwaysrelyontheOnewhoisourrefugeandstrength,anever‐presenthelpintrouble.Godwillbewithusandourfortresstodefeattimesoftrouble.Isn’tthatagreatthingtoremember?

Visualaid:Givethebaseballtoapitcherandhavehimshowhistwoseamgrip

BaseballTeamDevotion‐WebGems

ScriptureLesson:1Samuel17(wholechapter)especiallyverses41‐51

ESPNhascoinedaphrasethatmeansgreatgloveworkordefensiveplays.Theseplaysarenowknownaroundthebaseballworldas“webgems”.TheoriginaltermcameupinaproductionmeetingforthepopularESPNbaseballshow,Baseballtonight.ThenproducerJudsonBurchcameupwiththetermusedtodescribeagreatdefensiveplay.YoucanevenhearthetermwatchingyourlocalLittleLeagueteamplaywhenaplayermakesagreatdefensiveplay.Onehastoflashtheleathertogetawebgem.Ittakesconfidenceinone’sabilityandcouragetotrytomaketheplay.Instinctstakeoveroftentimesandweareabletoseethegreatplaysbeingmade.Whenisthelasttimeyouflashedtheleather?Haveyouevermadeawebgem?

InourScripturelessontoday,Ibelievewehavethefirstinstanceofawebgeminrecordedhistory.FortheshepherdboyDavidflashedsomeseriousleatherindefeatingtheGiantGoliath.Butweareaheadofthestory.DavidhadbroughtfoodtohisolderbrothersfightingagainstthePhilistines.ThePhilistineshadachampionwhodayafterdaynotonlybelittledtheIsraelitearmy,hebelittledGod.DavidheardthisgiantandwenttoSaulandsaidI’lltakehimon!DavidwithonlyaleatherslingshotandafewriverstoneswenttomeetthegiantGoliathinbattle.Notonlythat,heengagedinalittletrashtalk(vs45‐47).David’saimistrueandhekillstheGoliathbyflashingtheleatherslingshot,thusgettingthefirstrecordedwebgem.David’sconfidencewasintheLord.HebelievedGodwouldwinthebattleandhehadthecourageandthefaithtostepoutwhennooneelsewouldanddefeatGoliath.IthinkPaulsaiditbestinPhilippians4:13,“IcandoallthingsthroughHimwhogivesmestrength.”IfwewillplaceourfaithandconfidenceinGod,whoknowswhatkindofheavenlywebgemwecanaccomplishforHim.GodisjustwaitingforustobelieveinHimandfollowHim.HewantstoaccomplishgreatthingsforHisKingdomthroughus.Howaboutitarewereadytoflashtheleatheroffaithandgetaheavenlywebgem?

Visualaid:Greatyoutubevideoontop10HighSchoolwebgemshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH2n0SPX9FAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH2n0SPX9FAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH2n0SPX9FA