Take Me Out to The Ball Game

2 Corinthians 12:9, “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

It's been America's favorite pastime for as far back as we can remember. Take a stick and a ball, divide into two teams, have a diamond of four bases. One team in the field, the other trying to hit the ball. This can be fun for all generations and is played by the young and old. Movies, songs, skits, and jokes all tell the story of baseball. Popcorn, peanuts, hot dogs, candy, and more make the game enjoyable to watch. What team will strike out, what team will hit the home runs, who is going to steal a base or get tagged ‘you're out’! Like I said, it is a favorite pastime for America.

     I'm not a big sports fan and don't play much baseball (I couldn't hit the ball if my life depended on it). But I've enjoyed a game or two, I've hit (or attempted to) hit a ball or two, and I played around with my kids teaching them the basics. It's good exercise, teaching eye hand coordination, and the fresh air is always good for us.

     Today, I'm going to share another kind of baseball story with you.

     Bob and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing satan's team. When the Lord’s team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate, whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because love never fails.

     The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single, because faith works with love. The next batter up was named Godly wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly wisdom looked it over and let it pass, ball one. Three more pitches and Godly wisdom walked, because Godly wisdom never swings at what satan throws.

     The bases were loaded. The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob said, “He sure doesn't look like much!” Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace.

     Thinking he had won the game, satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground. Then it continued over the fence for a home run!

     The Lord's team won. The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why. The Lord explained, “If your love, faith, and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith, and wisdom will get you on base…. but only My grace can get you home. My grace is the one thing satan cannot steal.

     The grace of God, what does it mean? It can have many meanings, but I read this once and it felt it was a beautiful meaning. ‘Grace is God's favor and kindness to us.’ God has given us the beauty and wonders of nature. He protects us and always brings us the right thing just at the right time. All benefits for mankind have been given because God so loved the world. The greatest benefit is that all believers are blessed with spiritual blessings because we are united with Jesus, we are on His team.

     Following are six ways God shows us the grace that satan cannot steal from us.

1.     God saving grace: Titus 3:5

Our salvation and freedom purchased by the blood of Jesus. This is our gift from God.

2.     God's numerous grace: 1 John 1:7

I have sinned, I sinned, I will sin. Even when I try to do right all the time, I stumble. Yet, all sins past, present, and future are forgiven when I confess and ask for forgiveness, no matter how many times I fall. Jesus will forgive.

3.     God's forgiving grace: Ephesians 4:32

Yes, I am forgiven and because God gave me that grace, I am able to forgive others who have hurt me. Little, big, even past offenses, with the Lord's grace and help I can forgive.

4.     God's new grace: Galatians 5:22-23

I love knowing that no matter what goes wrong the day before, or if I stumble and fall. Each morning, I awaken it's a chance the Lord has given me to begin again. Every new day, every new hour, and every breath is a chance to act and live more by the Fruit of the Spirit.

5.     God's freeing grace: John 8:36

With God's grace I have the freedom to be the person God wants me to be knowing other people's opinions of me should not matter. The world's ‘ideas’, the judging eyes of others do not shape me. The Lord loves me as He created me, and He is who I want to remain faithful to.

6.     God's future grace: John 16:33

One of my favorite parts of grace. God has promised to always be with me, and the Holy Spirit is there to help counsel and guide me throughout my days. All the moments with my Savior will lead me to a glorious future. No matter what my trials, the environment around me, what life will bring while here on earth. The Lord has promised to be by my side and will help me get through.

     We can have love, faith, and wisdom and they will help us grow in Jesus. Grace though, is a gift that can help us overcome our human flaws and take us all the way home. Grace is essential for all Christians and is the foundation of our faith. Nothing can be done with our own strength; we need the Lord as our team captain and His grace.

     “Grace fills in the areas where we fall short, letting us know it will be okay,”- Acts 15:11, Jennifer Heeren, biblestudytools.com

     We will never find a shortage of God’s grace and there is no circumstance where we will not find God's grace. It is always available even when we find ourselves drifting, stumbling, or completely falling. Grace will renew our hearts as Jesus calls us back.

     I may not play baseball, but if I'm going to be living (playing) life, daily knowing satan is always on the prowl for me to lose. I sure want to be on the Lord's team and I'm thankful for all the gifts He's given me, but I'm most thankful for grace for it will get me home every time.

Why we study the Bible. His Word creates life. The Word responds to our deepest needs. Bible study is God’s will for our lives. God’s ultimate will for our lives is that we display his character no matter who we are or what we’re going through. Today let's continue our study with deepening our devotionals with lesson 7. We are going to look at 6 searches again but with a new verse.

Lesson 7- 6 Searches 2.docx

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