Always Be Prepared

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Before we get into today’s devotional – just an update on the poll we took a few days ago. So far 24 people have responded and 23 of them said they are following the Orioles! Only one voted otherwise – and that was a vote for – I don’t follow baseball. No one voted for another team – which is surprising to some degree. On a side note but still on the subject of baseball and the Orioles – I had to upgrade my Xfinity TV package to their ultimate package in order to get MASN sports – and I’m not happy about it.

On with the devotional thought. I often encourage us to witness our faith. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ to the world around us – 2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. We are also called to a royal priesthood – 1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Having a Little Fun

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

The baseball season is about to begin. Carolyn and I spent a few days in Sarasota this spring – watching our favorite MLB team – the Baltimore Orioles. It was something I always wanted to do – so for my birthday – we went down. Carolyn planned 90% of the trip and she did a wonderful job. Our accommodations were amazing.

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do? This was one of mine. With the baseball season just around the corner – I thought we could have a little fun. Please take the poll included in this devotional post. Pick your favorite baseball team. I’ve included most of the local teams. If I didn’t pick your team – there is a selection for you and you can post your favorite team in the comments.

Today’s passage is very familiar. Here it is in partial context. 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 – ²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

As The Day Approaches

Hebrews 10:24–25

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Baltimore Orioles are one game away from clinching the East Division of the American League or Major League baseball. They are also one game away from having the best record in the American League locked up and a first round bye in the upcoming playoffs. They could clinch each tonight – Thursday – September 28^th – with a win over Boston. A win would also be their 100^th of the season – and put them 41 games over .500. All of this – just a couple of seasons since losing 110 games. As the day approaches – people are getting excited. More and more fans are gathering at the stadium for these last regular season games. Friday night is already a sellout and I would imagine tonight will be too – with the chance to clinch – and Saturday and Sunday too.

Today is the 28^th of September. That means that Christmas is less than 3 months away. Most of us can probably remember the excitement of Christmas approaching. What memories do you have about Christmas? As the day approaches – will your excitement level rise? What Christmas memories do you have? I have loads of them and will share some in the months to come.

Two of our daughters will settle on homes in the weeks to come. One has been waiting to find just the right home on the western shore so that she can move closer to her family. We are all so excited about her move back home to Anne Arundel County with her husband and child. As the day approaches – we are all making plans to take time off so that we can help her move. We will be so blessed to have all six of our children and all seven of our grandchildren close to home. We’re all excited – as the day approaches.

My Faith is No Wish – It Is Real!

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Have you ever wished for something? Maybe a new red bike for Christmas. Maybe a new Barbie doll. Maybe a G.I. Joe action figure. How about a Mattel Thingmaker or Creepy Crawlers set (pretty dangerous toys of the 60’s). Another dangerous toy – Lawn Jarts. When we made our wish list for Christmas – we might not have thought we would get everything on our list – but it was nice to put a few things on the list for sure.

Have you ever wished for something? Maybe to play major league baseball or NFL football or NBA basketball. Maybe to dance on Broadway or to sing at the Grand Ole Opry. Maybe to act on TV or the stage. Maybe to have children or have a career or both.

Have you ever wished for something? Like to meet your forever love. Like to have children. Like to live long enough to see your grandchildren have children. Maybe wishing to live long enough to see a child graduate college or to marry.

Thirsting for God

Psalm 42:2

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Have you ever thirsted for something? I’ve fasted from things during Lent before and for other reasons and other seasons. I have thirsted or hungered for those items as the fast continued. When we go without something for a period of time and we desire that something – we hunger or thirst for it.

Are you ready for the baseball season to start? Spring training is here and the Oriole fans are excited for an ever improving team (the playoffs this year!). We have some really good young players and some veterans too. In a way – those who love baseball – have a thirst for baseball. I know some people who are already counting down the days until College Football or the NFL returns (the draft is coming in the NFL). The Lamar watch is going on for the Ravens. What about thirsting for a Stanley Cup in DC again or an NBA crown again (just funning)?

If married – is there a yearning for your spouse when you are away from each other or a part for some time? I have a hard time being away from my spouse for even a day. Some day – when we both retire (don’t laugh – I know I’m supposed to be retired already and in a way I am) – we might get tired of being around each other so much – but until that time – I will continue to thirst for her company during the day! I text her several times a day to let her know I miss her (I know – a bit much).

Do we hunger and thirst after God? In today’s passage the Psalmist talks about thirsting for God. Here is today’s passage in partial context. Psalm 42:1–4 – ¹ As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. ²My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? ³My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” ⁴ These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.