tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50120953138742490032024-03-05T02:09:24.754-08:00God Meets BallExploring life and God through the lens of sports...with an Aussie accent.Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-9903497568342232892017-07-31T21:10:00.003-07:002017-08-02T13:34:24.529-07:00Inaugural Church Trading DeadlineToday marked the trading deadline for the inaugural Church Staff Draft. After the World Council of Churches agreed earlier this year to facilitate this draft there's been considerable interest in which churches would make a move. As the dust settles from a flurry of late trades this afternoon, this is the new American church landscape:<br />
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<b><u>Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir for John Ortberg</u></b></div>
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This long rumored trade was completed prior to lunch. Both sides are hopeful that a change of scenery of reinvigorate their ministry.</div>
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While Menlo Park Presbyterian members respect Ortberg's willingness to get out of the boat to walk on water, they noted that his sermon to book ratio has been in decline in recent years. He's often padded his production numbers by producing video series, and small group guides. An anonymous source observed, "For a long time we could rely on him for home runs. Lately, he's been relying on an increasing number of singles to get on base. Perhaps a new clubhouse will give him the fresh perspective he's been missing."<br />
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In New York, the BTC seemed like an odd trade partner, but believe they have what it takes to enliven the Presbyterian choir pen. BTC are known for the energy they bring to the mound. They'll prove particularly valuable if the preacher decides to extend the service to extra innings, as they have a lot of experience performing late.<br />
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<b><u>Bill Hybels for David Yonggi Cho</u></b><br />
Bill Hybels foreshadowed this trade with the recent Willow Creek publication <b><i>Move</i></b>. When church leadership were approached they reflected fondly upon Hybel's longevity as a charter member of the church. Bill has been a clutch hitter for years, but recently has concentrated more on getting walks across the room. While that has proven effective at getting on base, the church is looking for something that makes a bigger splash.<br />
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The church recently conducted a self-evaluation that REVEALed some weaknesses in the approach to this point. By bringing in Yonggi Cho as an international trade agent the church believes it can realistically grow from 24,000 to 100,000 by taking things one small group at a time. Meanwhile, Bill is reportedly excited at the prospect of learning Korean over the next 6 months before launching his preaching ministry in Seoul.<br />
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<b><u>The Gospel Coalition for Andy Stanley</u></b><br />
In a major surprise move right at the deadline North Point Community Church pulled the trigger on a trade for The Gospel Coalition. North Point deacons felt like no one person could replace Stanley, but when the trade for the whole Gospel Coalition was proposed, they couldn't say no. It felt irresistible.<br />
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Through this trade North Point will now have a prominent pastor located at each of its campuses. Each pastor is equipped with a hardball exceeding 100 mph. It's expected that opponents of the Gospel will prefer to step aside that go into battle with the thunderbolts these guys deliver. Between a hardball and deadly cutter The Gospel Coalition is well equipped to cut a swathe through the ungodliness of Atlanta.<br />
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Andy expressed shock at the trade. He plans to take things a day at a time and to focus upon his multimedia ministry in the immediate future. He'll also spend more time with family. His next big venture may well involve starting a church in a baseball diamond. In true pragmatic fashion Andy reflected, "There's no need to build it if it's already built."<br />
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<b><u>N.T. Wright for Rhode Island</u></b><br />
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American Evangelicals negotiated this trade with Queen Elizabeth herself. By returning Rhode Island, which Evangelicals already regard as a New England lost cause, to the British throne, the nominal head of the Anglican church will gift the Bishop of Durham to the American church.<br />
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Wright is truly the new Babe Ruth of this generation. A heavy hitter who also pitches with a mean curve ball. Although the price for Wright seems high it needs little justification.<br />
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When contacted, Wright was a little nervous about trading in his collar and robes for skinny jeans and a tee shirt. However, once it was explained that a more formal congregational setting could be found for him he seemed to relax. Wright explained that while initially surprised by the trade, he was hopeful he could resurrect his ministry on this side of the Atlantic. He expected to adapt well whimsically observing that after all it is Simply America.<br />
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<b><u>Youth Minister for Players to be Named Later</u></b><br />
The local congregation is hoping to place themselves in playoff contention with this acquisition. Jim, the full-time preaching minister is relieved to finally have a reliever when he needs a break. A prominent member noted that they didn't realise how much they needed the bullpen assistance until he arrived.<br />
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Parents were thrilled with the acquisition. They're hoping he proves to be a great closer in leading their teens to Christ. "We've had far too many walks lately, and then they're gone." one father commented. "We're looking for him to get butts on seats and halos on our kids." Filled with optimism, this young Youth Minister will certainly need the ability to perform under pressure.<br />
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The only question mark hanging over this trade is the "player to be named later". Young Jim Jr has been showing a lot of interest in the mission field lately. But Rebecca is also looking at attending a Christian college after graduating high school. Is the church ready to trade their children to the Lord? Well, that's why we play the games, and have lockins, and eat all that pizza... Time will tell.<br />
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Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-68955921800667198692016-11-11T12:35:00.000-08:002016-11-11T12:35:03.039-08:00Major League MissionaryUnless you've been living in a cave, you might have heard that the Chicago Cubs won the MLB World Series this year. This was their first championship in 108 years!<br />
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Whenever something historically significant like this occurs numerous stories will be told to demonstrate how improbable the victory was. We'll hear tales of struggles overcome. And players will establish themselves as heroes in the furnace of the moment as the world watches.<br />
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This year, the Cubs' player who shined brightest in the World Series spotlight was veteran outfielder, Ben Zobrist. In his first year as a Cub, after winning a World Series ring with Kansas City last year, Zobrist hit for a .357 average and .919 OPS in seven World Series games. This was enough to win him the series <a href="http://m.mlb.com/news/article/207951690/ben-zobrist-named-world-series-mvp/" target="_blank">MVP</a>.<br />
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Even more importantly, Zobrist made the hit that scored the go ahead run for the Cubs in the top of the 10th inning. <br />
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As numerous articles were written about Zobrist he has clearly communicated the central role Jesus plays in his life. <b><a href="http://www.christiandaily.com/article/world-series-mvp-ben-zobrist-an-outspoken-christian-who-uses-influence-to-spread-gospel/59261.htm" target="_blank">This article</a></b> provides a good summary.<br />
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One quote that caught my attention was from <a href="http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article41120313.html" target="_blank"><b>an interview</b></a> with his parents during last year's World Series run with the Royals<b>.</b><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The night before Ben left home to join the Astros’ affiliate in Troy,
N.Y., he told his father, “I’m going to be a missionary in the big
leagues.”<br />
<div style="color: black; font: 10pt sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;">
th<br />Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article41120313.html#storylink=cpy</div>
</blockquote>
Whatever the details of that thought may have meant to Zobrist, at a minimum it means he's going to represent God. It means he's going to speak well of God when he gets the opportunity. It means he's going to conduct himself in a way that doesn't give people reasons to turn their back on God.<br />
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I wonder how our communities would change if everyone sitting in church each Sunday had a similar mindset.<br />
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<li>I'm going to be a missionary in my workplace, or industry.</li>
<li>I'm going to represent God to my classmates.</li>
<li>I'm going to speak up and speak well of God when opportunities arise.</li>
<li>I'm going to ensure I don't give others reason to reject Jesus.</li>
</ul>
If we each left home every morning thinking of ourselves as a missionary for God, I wonder how the world would be different.<br />
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<br />Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-44131740309566875092016-10-25T11:31:00.000-07:002016-10-25T11:34:43.878-07:00What Motivates You?The Denver Broncos currently hold the title of Superbowl Champions. Last night they played, and defeated, the the quarterback they expected to start for them this year, Brock Osweiler.<br />
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Osweiler started last season as the backup to Peyton Manning. He started 7 games for the Broncos when Manning was injured, but was benched during the final game of the regular season and watched Manning start all the playoff games on the way to winning the Superbowl.<br />
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Much to everyone's surprise, even after Manning retired and the Denver starting QB job all his, Osweiler decided to sign with the Houston Texans. As he walked out the door he provided this explanation,<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I'm very thankful, I'm very appreciative for everything that the Denver
Broncos organization has done for me,” he said. “However, in saying
that, at this point in time in my career, I feel like the Houston Texans
give me the best opportunity to be successful." [Read more <a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/218758/how-quarterback-brock-osweiler-ended-up-with-houston-texans" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.]</blockquote>
After last night's game the Texans fall behind the Broncos with 4 wins compared to 5. Did Osweiler make the right decision? It depends on what motivates him. The Texans paid him more money. Osweiler has stated that this was the best decision for his family. Others have suggested that Osweiler was offended after he was benched for the playoffs.<br />
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Superbowl rings, money, or family, how do they factor into his decision making process? How much weight does each factor receive?<br />
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<a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17880487/brock-osweiler-houston-texans-stayed-john-elway-denver-broncos-nfl-2016" target="_blank"><b>This ESPN article</b></a> suggests that Osweiler should have stayed in Denver, and provides this commentary about motivation,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"We all know that happiness and prosperity in life, even in pro
football, are often defined by things that have nothing to do with
dollars and cents. Take championship rings, for instance. How much money
do you think Dan Marino would give back if it meant adding a Super Bowl
title to his otherwise staggering legacy?"</blockquote>
As Christians we can harbour numerous motivations for retaining and living out our faith. The fear of eternal punishment for our sins is a common motivating factor. Others may be motivated to follow Jesus because of the example of people they know and respect. In an ideal world people would commit to Jesus simply because they love him: a loving response to a loving God.<br />
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The writer of the book of Hebrews explains how joy provided Jesus' motivation to endure the cross,<br />
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<span class="text Heb-12-2">Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame <i>of that death</i> because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, <i>a place of honor. </i>[Hebrews 12:2 VOICE]</span></blockquote>
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You and I are part of that joy. Jesus didn't want to suffer on the cross so that he could sit on a throne. He already sat on a throne before he came to earth. The joy that motivated Jesus involved spending eternity with the people he loved, the people he died to save. Jesus' life-purpose was found outside himself. He lived for the benefit of those around him.<br />
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As imitators of Jesus we need to examine our own motivations. Why am I a Christian? Is it all about me? Is it all about God? Do I really care for my neighbours? Or do I just care for them because if I don't I'll be breaking the command to "love my neighbours"?<br />
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<b>What are your Top 4 reasons for following Jesus?</b><br />
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<b>For a different perspective on the same topic, try <a href="https://ozziepete.wordpress.com/2016/10/25/who-benefits-from-your-faith/" target="_blank">THIS ARTICLE</a>. </b>Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-16482293781773855792016-07-27T20:04:00.000-07:002016-07-28T07:33:51.528-07:00MJ Speaks... Now What?This week Michael Jordan broke issued a statement on the recent violence and tension between police and the African-American community. Additionally, he donated $1 million to each of two organizations attempting to improve relations between law enforcement and black communities. Because it's MJ his statement made headlines on ESPN and other news agencies. You can read it <a href="https://theundefeated.com/features/michael-jordan-i-can-no-longer-stay-silent/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.<br />
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In my opinion Jordan said pretty much nothing. I heard Carmelo Anthony describe Jordan's statement as "brilliant", and perhaps it was encouraging to have such a prominent African-American speak up on the subject. The statement issued by Jordan was fairly short. It identified that the nation has a problem and expressed regret for that problem before announcing his donations. The following statement was about as profound as Jordan got,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>We need to find solutions that ensure people of color receive fair and
equal treatment AND that police officers – who put their lives on the
line every day to protect us all – are respected and supported.</i></blockquote>
While I'm confident those organizations appreciate the donations they received, Jordan's statement does little more than say, "Thanks for the work you guys are doing to stand up against violence and injustice." But let's not pretend that this statement changes anything. Incarceration rates will not change tomorrow because MJ issued a statement. If Jordan really wants to initiate change he will need to engage many other community leaders in the conversation and raise considerably more funds for training, education and lobbying efforts. Perhaps he'll do these things.<br />
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It's easy to point fingers at others.<br />
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Sports talk radio (and blogging) encourages members of the public with zero training and professional experience to criticize and second guess professional athletes, coaches and general managers with years of experience.<br />
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The MJ statement reminds us that words are cheap. We all have potential influence in our families, workplaces, communities, and churches. If all we do is talk and criticize, then we've become part of the problems. To translate potential influence into actual influence we must roll up our sleeves and get involved.<br />
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The incarnation of Jesus, God becoming flesh, provides the ultimate example of not settling for words when action was possible. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phillipians+2%3A5-8&version=VOICE" target="_blank">Philippians 2:5-8</a>) God could have relied upon His commandments, the numerous laws He'd given Israel. He could have said that the messages of the prophets communicated His will sufficiently. Instead, Jesus left the throne of heaven to be born in a manger. When words weren't enough, he acted to make a difference for us.<br />
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Before criticising MJ, or anyone, ask yourself, "<b>What am I actively involved in beyond my direct responsibilities?</b>" "<b>What am I doing to make the world a better place?</b>" <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Be like Jesus, not Mike.</b></i></span>Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-26867012854628539042015-10-19T08:31:00.000-07:002015-10-19T08:31:19.926-07:00A Cubs Fan: Suffering, Waiting, and Hoping<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Today's post is written by guest blogger <b>Rex Butts</b>. You can follow his [usually non-sports related]\ blog at <a href="http://www.kingdomseeking.com./" target="_blank">www.kingdomseeking.com.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghkv9I_rDNlPET2CPMINPb_JzxPf3OccMNsitRJSs6KuRO8nyhiZ5JUnEXp4LGsUNCQEh30zXfZVmZe6hm_E-SMLtvugBttPd2Js1Gf4o_sw3E5w9SWFqM-VJkU-VWrqAxYOJjLtBWnQ1/s1600/cubs+win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghkv9I_rDNlPET2CPMINPb_JzxPf3OccMNsitRJSs6KuRO8nyhiZ5JUnEXp4LGsUNCQEh30zXfZVmZe6hm_E-SMLtvugBttPd2Js1Gf4o_sw3E5w9SWFqM-VJkU-VWrqAxYOJjLtBWnQ1/s400/cubs+win.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was
1984. I was only eleven years old. That</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">’s
when I became a Cubs fan… a long suffering Cubs fan.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course,
I had no idea of the disappointment I was in for. I didn</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">’t understand that the Cubs had not been to the World
Series since 1945 and not won that championship since 1908. I knew nothing
about the curse of the billygoat. I didn’t know that the Cubs missed the
playoffs in 1969 after giving up a 10 game division lead over the “Amazing” Mets
by losing 17 of their last 25 games. But I would learn in time… in 1989. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In 1998.</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Again in
2003.</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And again
in 2007 and 2008.</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Now it</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">’s 2015 and the Cubs are once again in the playoffs. They’ve
already beat the Pirates in a one game face-off, followed by beating their arch
rivals, the Cardinals, in the Division series. According to some sources, the
Cubs are actually the favorites to win the World Series this year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Ca</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">n they?</span>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course,
they can, if can out pitch their opponents, get clutch hitting, and play
excellent defense. But my history as a die-hard Cubs fan has me waiting for
another black cat, another Steve Bartman, or just some colossal error resulting
in another year of getting this close only to be disappointed again</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">… only left to “wait til’ next year” once again.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
suffering, waiting, and hoping as a Cubs fan may be metaphorical of the
Christian life that suffers.</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a young
adult I lost my father, first child, and then my younger brother in the span of
ten years. Death is part of my narrative. For others, it might be chronic
illness, a failing marriage, an addiction of some sort, or a plethora of other
troubles that bring disappointment, grief, and pain. Faith in Christ believes
that one day the suffering will be no more but until that day, we continue
waiting with disappointment.</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">’s been twelve years since my son Kenny died but just a
week ago I was reminded of the disappointment, grief, and pain as I read the
story of another family whose baby died. Someone else is struggling again with
depression, or relapsing as an alcoholic, or has had their cancer return.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More
disappointment, more grief, and more pain!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christians
who suffer wait with anticipation for the day when it will be no more. It</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">’s called hope! The difference here is Jesus Christ.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>
</div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 1
Corinthians 15 the apostle Paul reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus
Christ is the firstfruits of the resurrection of the dead. In other words, the
future is known in the resurrected Jesus Christ because his resurrection is the
promise of hope that his followers share in his victory. Thus Paul
appropriately says, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“<i><b>But thanks be to God! He gives us the
victory through our Lord Jesus Christ</b></i>” (1 Cor 15:57, NIV).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So while I
remain a suffering Cubs fan, waiting and hoping but never sure, by faith in
Christ I know that one day the wait will be over!</span></div>
Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-73490900874200094542015-09-03T11:16:00.000-07:002015-09-03T11:32:38.645-07:00Next Man UpEach summer NFL teams start training camp with 90 players on their roster. In 2015, the magic date for reducing that roster to 75 was 1 September.<br />
<br />
On Thursday, 3 September, each team plays its final preseason game. Then on 5 September all clubs must reduce their active roster to 53 players.<br />
<br />
It sounds so matter of fact, "reduce the roster". In reality many of those players cut will never play in an NFL game as their dreams of professional football evaporate. At the other end of the spectrum, veteran players hoping to get another year or two out of their aging body also find themselves confronting disappointment and frustration as they look for work or wait for other players to get injured throughout the year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZGkdkGxLoUw6l-wAci6zQoJRb9uAdxl8YDPIPIa9eidhB1uC1DZo34OOzAjQ6R5ihlx7W5wX3OKj491AF5gO_EsFtYveDw5M1_K69-tsQgnRFst6oBAqo6D0AecA2MAnvzZjqzibYCfK/s1600/Fred+Jackson+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZGkdkGxLoUw6l-wAci6zQoJRb9uAdxl8YDPIPIa9eidhB1uC1DZo34OOzAjQ6R5ihlx7W5wX3OKj491AF5gO_EsFtYveDw5M1_K69-tsQgnRFst6oBAqo6D0AecA2MAnvzZjqzibYCfK/s400/Fred+Jackson+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The harsh reality of player movement has hit home this week in western New York as <a href="http://bills.buffalonews.com/2015/08/31/jacksons-departure-leaves-sour-aftertaste/" target="_blank"><b>fan favourite</b></a>, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/player/fredjackson/2506871/profile" target="_blank"><b>Fred Jackson</b></a>, was cut by the Buffalo Bills.<br />
<br />
Jackson was with the Bills for 10 years. He was active in the community. He stands third on the list of Bills running backs for rushing attempts and rushing yards. He's also fifth among Bills receivers for number of receptions.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Bills running back depth chart now includes one star, (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/player/leseanmccoy/79607/profile" target="_blank"><b>LeSean McCoy</b></a>) and three guys with 1,900 career rushing yards combined.<br />
<br />
Despite their inexperience and lack of results to this point in their careers, these three running backs are expected to fill the gap left by Fred Jackson. If McCoy is ever injured, the team will depend on one or two of these guys to step up and perform as the starting running back.<br />
<br />
Time will tell if the Bills made the right decision.<br />
<br />
People leave churches for all sorts of reasons. Not all of them are negative. It can be as simple as a job relocation or a move closer to family members. When these people leave their absence often creates a void in the ministries of the church.<br />
<br />
How do churches replace these people and maintain continuity in the church's ministry? Like football the answer is simply, "Next man/woman up."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
When the audio visual guy leaves, we can't complain that the young replacement doesn't move the slides as quickly or adjust the mic levels as precisely. We need to give the new volunteer time to learn and grow into the role. We need to be thankful for their willingness to take on the role.<br />
<br />
We also all need to develop awareness that a person or family leaving creates a void. It's easy to stand around and lament the departures, but the church never revolves around one person or family. It revolves around God.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the next time someone leaves, that will be our cue to increase our involvement and be the Next Man Up exercising our gifts for the building up of the body. Or maybe it will be the cue for us to invest in another member to train and encourage them to fill that roll. However you respond, don't be part of the lamenting crowd. <b>Be the Next Man Up.</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="text 1Cor-12-25" id="en-NIV-28660"></span><span class="text 1Cor-12-25" id="en-NIV-28660">There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.</span> </i><span class="text 1Cor-12-27" id="en-NIV-28662"><i>If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.<sup class="versenum"> </sup>Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.</i></span><b> 1 Corinthians 12:25-27</b> </div>
</blockquote>
Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-74022193118709931172015-08-25T13:19:00.000-07:002015-08-25T13:19:32.532-07:00A Second OpinionIn recent days a video from the 2014 NFL Rookie Symposium has surfaced showing Cris Carter advise rookies to "nominate a fall guy in their crew" in order to protect their "brand".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tNVN-B_2vno/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tNVN-B_2vno?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<b>This is terrible advice.</b> First, it's illegal. Second, it teaches young players that they don't have to be responsible for the outcomes of their actions. Third, it encourages NFL rookies to find ways around the law, rather than respecting the law. Fourth, did I mention it's illegal, and if they got caught they'd be in even bigger trouble?!<br />
<br />
As soon as it became public, both Carter's current employer, ESPN, and the NFL distanced themselves from his comments. Carter quickly made a public apology for his words, which you can watch <b><a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:13504549" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.<br />
<br />
I understand why Carter and Sapp were asked to speak at this symposium. They've both faced struggles in life. They've both wrestled with drugs and alcohol. The league saw them as having a positive, redemptive, "learn from our mistakes", story to tell. By the accounts of those who've watched the whole presentation, it was generally excellent, except for the "fall guy" advice.<br />
<br />
As I thought through all this information I realised that for some of the rookies in the room that day, this symposium may provide them with some of the most honest talk they'll hear for years. Many of them are millionaires and they'll be surrounded by a "crew" who will want to agree with and please their star player because that's how they can stay on the gravy train. That's why Carter's advice is so tragic. Instead of hearing the message the positive message about the importance of staying out of trouble, some of them will only remember the advice to "get a fall guy".<br />
<br />
I'm reminded of the wisdom the writer of Proverbs demonstrates thousands of years ago when he recommends accumulating a variety of advisers. I would like to think that the players who heard Carter's advice had someone else they could bounce it off before they put it into practice: someone wise, someone objective, someone unafraid to speak even the unpopular truth.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="text Prov-11-14" id="en-VOICE-16103">Without wise guidance, a nation falls;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-11-14">but victory is certain when there are plenty of wise counselors.</span></span></i> <b>Proverbs 11:14</b></blockquote>
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: #990000;">Do you have a wise counselor in your life? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: #990000;">Do you have <b>plenty</b> of wise counselors? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: #990000;">Are you equipped to serve as a wise counselor for a young person in your life?</span> </span>Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-61492724903270241442015-08-20T11:23:00.002-07:002015-08-20T11:23:53.290-07:00First Round GraceI heard a conversation on the radio this week about a young quarterback. The commentators explained how football players drafted in the first round will be <b>given every opportunity to fail</b>. They are seldom (never) cut from the team at the end of the preseason competition.<br />
<br />
In contrast, NFL clubs will sign young, undrafted, players to temporary contracts to get them through training camp. Throughout the preseason NFL teams must gradually cut their squad from 90 players to 75, and then finally to 53 players on the teams roster at the start of the regular season. If you're doing the math, that means that 40% of the players present on the opening day of training camp won't play in the NFL that year.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>For most undrafted free agents, the opportunity with their first NFL
teams will come to an end before the regular season begins. To continue
the opportunity into the regular season and onto a potential path to
stardom, an undrafted free agent must prove his worth during training
camp.</i> ~ <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1710889-how-an-undrafted-free-agent-becomes-an-nfl-star" target="_blank">Bleacherreport.com</a> </blockquote>
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<br />
<br />
I had the opportunity this week to attend the Buffalo Bills training camp. I mostly watched the Bills wide receivers. Buffalo has a pretty settled group of wide receivers. They have:<br />
<ol>
<li>Sammy Watkins (Buffalo's #1 draft pick in 2014 & 2015)</li>
<li>Robert Woods (Buffalo's #2 draft pick in 2013)</li>
<li>Percy Harvin (signed from the Jets this year)</li>
<li>Chris Hogan (played every game in 2013 & 2014) </li>
</ol>
No other Bills wide receiver in 2014 even had 10 receptions for the year. This means that the seven other receivers in training camp are probably competing to maybe be the fourth WR on the team More likely, they're hoping to be the fifth or sixth WR on the team knowing that the sixth WR usually doesn't even dress for games. The sixth guy is just there in case of an injury to someone.<br />
<br />
<b>Seven </b>players. <b>Two </b>roster spots.<br />
<br />
Every play they make at training camp will be scrutinised. Every time a defender stops them. Every time they drop a ball. Every time they run to the wrong place on the field. That might be the time that the coaches decide this rookie's professional football career will never get started. Every play is vital.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>NFL rosters are made up largely of players who the team has made a
significant investment in, either in guaranteed money or in a draft
pick. Undrafted free agents, on the other hand, have minimal commitment
from the teams they sign with, so they must prove they are better than
their competition to have a shot at making the 53-man rosters.</i> ~ <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1710889-how-an-undrafted-free-agent-becomes-an-nfl-star">Bleacherreport.com</a></blockquote>
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<br />
At the other extreme the Bills have <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/15803/ej-manuel" target="_blank"><b>EJ Manuel</b></a> on their team. Manuel was the team's #1 draft pick in 2013 and the sixteenth pick overall. Through his first 15 games Manuel has a passer rating of 78.5. That's not very good.<br />
<br />
What are EJ Manuel's problems? This summary from his ESPN profile gives some perspective:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>What did Manuel do to get himself benched in favor of Kyle Orton last
year? If we had to pick one factor, it would be deep-ball accuracy. He
completed only 28 percent of his throws that traveled 20 air yards or
more (35th out of 42 QBs with at least 15 attempts). Manuel has a
tendency to duck his head when a pass rush gets in his face, and his
throwing mechanics suffer.</i></blockquote>
Despite these shortcomings EJ is now entering his third year and the team is hoping that he will improve and this will be the year that he lives up to the potential they saw in him on that draft day in 2013. The team has shown him patience. They've invested the time and energy of numerous coaches into his development. They've used early picks in the draft to gain wide receivers who they hope will help Manuel out. And this year they'll pay him like a starting quarterback to be the third string quarterback, hoping against hope that he'll suddenly get it all together and become a superstar.<br />
<br />
Grace. Patience. Forgiveness. Time to Grow.<br />
<br />
Manuel gets plenty of these. Wide receivers 3 through 7? They'd better hope they graduated college or they'll be flipping burgers when the NFL season kicks off.<br />
<br />
The good news for you is that when God looks at you, he sees a first round draft pick. It doesn't matter how you see yourself. It doesn't matter how others view you. God sees someone precious.<br />
<br />
Because you're his first round draft pick, God gives you grace, patience, forgiveness, and time to grow.<br />
<br />
In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=lk+15%3A3-7&version=VOICE" target="_blank"><b>Luke 15</b></a> Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who leaves his flock of 99 sheep to go back and find one that wandered away. He describes God's love for each person. The team bus won't wait for the #7 WR, but the QB drafted in the first round? The coach would probably drive to his house personally to make sure he was okay. So God views us as his first round draft pick, and treats us accordingly.<br />
<br />
As God's children, <b>He gives us every opportunity to fail.</b> <br />
<br />
<br />Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-13590239872831404222015-08-13T10:55:00.000-07:002015-08-13T10:55:58.019-07:00Friendly Fire<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw339aD1CghVfeNGQwj3TN_kzHCtkEA7_5lpHqqY8SsDmJPAbFExFyrlxUFqlIAjO-iE9KxfzQ1-FGbXhgP2oMpBYcE-bgvS_qFBa4froH0dW7jodWqm6kmqfb3WJpgY4GxIXFR_Ueqmz/s1600/geno+smith+jaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw339aD1CghVfeNGQwj3TN_kzHCtkEA7_5lpHqqY8SsDmJPAbFExFyrlxUFqlIAjO-iE9KxfzQ1-FGbXhgP2oMpBYcE-bgvS_qFBa4froH0dW7jodWqm6kmqfb3WJpgY4GxIXFR_Ueqmz/s320/geno+smith+jaw.jpg" width="240" /></a><b>Did you see these headlines?</b> NY Jets quarterback, Geno Smith, will miss half a season after a teammate hit him in the face, breaking his jaw.<br />
<br />
All the trades.<br />
<br />
All the millions of dollars invested in players.<br />
<br />
All the preseason training and scheming.<br />
<br />
All the hopes of thousands of fans. <br />
<br />
Possibly, all undone over a $600 debt, because of a backup linebacker with a bad temper and a tendency for violent solutions.<br />
<br />
The Jets just can't seem to get out of their own way to put a winning team and season together. It's fascinating how some teams seem to consistently attract so much negative behaviour. Maybe it's the owner. Maybe it's the management. But even with coach and player churn they seldom manage to produce winners.<br />
<br />
Somehow they've developed a culture of losing and they can't lose its stench.<br />
<br />
Also circulating my way this week was an article by Joe McKeever titled, "<a href="http://joemckeever.com/wp/10-preacher/" target="_blank"><b>59 things not to say to a preacher</b></a>". Since I'm a preacher I have a vested interest in this article and agreed with many items on the list.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But it's not just for preachers. Churches have as many possibilities to implode from Friendly Fire as football teams do. We're just more likely to use our tongues than our fists.<br />
<br />
Gossip... slander... criticism... accusations... negativity... doubt... skepticism<br />
<br />
Some church cultures breed these attitudes and behaviours rather than eliminating them. The destructive power of a strong word is no less than the force of the fist that impacted Geno Smith's jaw.<br />
<br />
Like the Jets, these churches many never figure out why they don't grow. They may never understand why newcomers don't stay. They may never grasp why their young people leave.<br />
<br />
They've developed a toxic culture and they don't notice the stench.<br />
<br />
Of the many Scriptural antidotes for these churches I'll share two:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. <b>Philippians 4:8</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. <b>James 3:9-10, 13</b></blockquote>
<b><span style="color: blue;">What type of church culture do you contribute to the most?</span></b>Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-18380380837031913962015-08-10T13:55:00.003-07:002015-08-10T13:56:34.672-07:00Learning from Sackcloth and AshesIn 1896 Utah became the United States' 45th state. The modern Olympics launch in Athens. Dow Jones begins an index of 12 industrial stocks. Henry Ford takes his 1st Ford through streets of Detroit. The 1st movie theater in US opens, charging 10 cents for admission. A large power plant at Niagara Falls begins operation and the City of Buffalo receives it's first power from the fall over a 25 mile transmission line<br />
<br />
And the Australian cricket team on a tour of England is bowled out in just 113 balls.<br />
<br />
No Australian cricket team was dismissed as quickly for for almost 120 years... until 6 August, 2015. On this day the Aussies kissed the Ashes good-bye as they edged their way to infamy in just 111 balls. (You can watch a video of the disaster <a href="http://www.cricket.com.au/video#videoId=4403803018001" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.) Australia's 60 runs is their lowest innings total against England in 79 years.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSl2xMSJ2d3xGNEffA0B8g55K4nVjRAod4sgGwHKeoh0IackYgLwT2nps_nJGkVChjcCRp5Zqeo9VVbl3Lxym1TXaLXwMacV-wgl5D1VP0AdpgXsfkD136HbPQ4OTTrB6TZrp4vIhqiZx4/s1600/ashes+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSl2xMSJ2d3xGNEffA0B8g55K4nVjRAod4sgGwHKeoh0IackYgLwT2nps_nJGkVChjcCRp5Zqeo9VVbl3Lxym1TXaLXwMacV-wgl5D1VP0AdpgXsfkD136HbPQ4OTTrB6TZrp4vIhqiZx4/s320/ashes+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The world's smallest trophy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Was it really just a few months ago that Australia won the limited overs World Cup? Was it that same tournament that England only won 2 matches and didn't make the quarter finals? YES. It's all recorded right <a href="https://youtu.be/uW8kCoUDzB8" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.<br />
<br />
Australia's woes bring to mind two comparisons with life as a Christian. (You may have more.)<br />
<br />
<b>1. Succession Planning:</b> This Australian squad to tour England included nine players in their 30's. Many of them are now contemplating retirement. The selectors played it safe and chose players based on accomplished track records, but this gave the squad an unusually high average age.<br />
<br />
Churches also have to take risks with their young members. Titus 2:3-4 describes older women teaching younger women. This principle surely applies to men also. There's a risk that we'll think of this teaching in terms of passing on knowledge. Churches generally do a good job of transferring knowledge. Teaching also requires allowing people to fail. Established members in churches must create an environment that allows younger Christians to fail as they learn what it means to live out their faith. If expected standard is perfection before long there won't be a younger generation.<br />
<br />
It feels safer for the long-term members to maintain control, because that's what's familiar to them. But sooner or later new faces need to take over and the key question becomes, "have they been adequately equipped?" <br />
<br />
<b>2. Build Up:</b> It's easy to mock and criticise our teams and the players when the fail. Perhaps we rationalise that we'll come back to support them later, we're just expressing out current frustration. We've all been through this and I know I've laughed as my own teams are ridiculed. <br />
<br />
In the church (and life) we can't treat people this way. It's the young Christian who's sinned publicly who most needs to know that repentance leads to forgiveness. It's the person struggling with their faith who most needs friends to sit down and listen to them, not laugh at them. In moments of crisis people need compassion. The church would be a cruel a place if mocked and discarded people as quickly as we do the players on our favourite teams.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you know someone around you who's struggling with faith or life? What can you do this week to lift them up and let them know they're not alone?</b>Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-64984195129253242452015-08-06T03:00:00.000-07:002015-08-06T12:36:11.457-07:00What Baseball Taught me about Bible Study<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
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<br />
Growing up in Florida, I was not an avid baseball fan. Until 1993, the
closest professional baseball team was Atlanta. If people asked me who my
favorite baseball team was I would have said the Atlanta Braves, but honestly I
didn't know that much about them. I knew who their coach was, and I knew names
like David Justice and John Smoltz; but honestly I very rarely watched a game
and didn't understand very much about baseball. I tried over the years to get
into baseball. I would occasionally flip over to a baseball game on television
when there wasn't anything else on. I even occasionally went to a few games,
mostly minor league, but it was never anything that I loved.<br />
<br />
Then we moved to the Bay Area...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had seen the movie Moneyball and enjoyed it. I also found the way the
Oakland Athletics put together a competitive team with a small budget as
fascinating. It's almost as if their team was the island of misfit toys from
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. So one night my wife and I decided to go to our
first A's game. I really enjoyed it and became fascinated with the Oakland
Athletics. But honestly, I still didn't know much about baseball.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AiAHlZVgXjk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AiAHlZVgXjk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
So I began to study the game of baseball. I began to Google terms that I did
not understand. Terms like "WHIP," "fielder's choice," and
"4 seam fastball" just to name a few. I began studying the players,
their histories, and the history of the team. I began to learn more about
baseball. The more I learned of the game the more I love to the game. As a
matter of fact, I can say very clearly that I am obsessed with the Oakland
Athletics. This amazes friends of mine who knew that I grew up as a football
guy. But I can't help it, I love baseball!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige_PAFK-ShiyaQSmKeeCbZnQQt40muEeb5TWwS6AP_jO1Fus75r9s-ETSxVfhOeaNlPuJEjWLIId5mwld87jenSgfdk20p_vpb6S9OZY4myc8Jo0y-baJVHZYIapCzat4t4cZtTa9IBIh/s1600/bible+markings+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige_PAFK-ShiyaQSmKeeCbZnQQt40muEeb5TWwS6AP_jO1Fus75r9s-ETSxVfhOeaNlPuJEjWLIId5mwld87jenSgfdk20p_vpb6S9OZY4myc8Jo0y-baJVHZYIapCzat4t4cZtTa9IBIh/s200/bible+markings+01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
You may be wondering what any of this has to do with God. And no, I'm not
going to say that God is an Oakland A's fan. But I am going to say that when we
have a causal relationship with God, like I had a casual relationship with
baseball, much of it has to do with the fact that we don't study God like we
should. The more that we study God, and the more that we learn to know God, the
more we will love God and become obsessed with God.<br />
<br />
So, are you a casual observer of God? Or, or are you longing to know more
about him? I promise you, the more you study about God the more you will fall
in love with him. God does not need casual observers who occasionally flip over
to him when there is nothing else on. Rather, he needs people who are obsessed
with him.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
I could say more about this, but the A's pregame show starts in 7 minutes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
-Glenn Newton</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
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{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
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<![endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Glenn
Newton</b> has been serving as the preaching minister for the Pleasant View church
of Christ in Pleasanton, California, since 2012. A 1997 graduate of Heritage Christian University,
Glenn actively speaks at lectureships, workshops, and meetings throughout our
country and has authored 6 books (5 of which are available through 21st Century
Christian).</span> </div>
Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-35227382517148309382015-07-30T13:34:00.001-07:002015-07-30T13:34:22.833-07:00The Most Improved AwardHave you ever attended the season ending sports team award night?<br />
<br />
It's the night when the coaches or parents or someone you don't really know tries to give trophies to as many people as possible.<br />
<br />
First, we get the serious awards:<br />
<ul>
<li>Most Runs Scored</li>
<li>Highest Average</li>
<li>Most Valuable Player</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6bsc06i52A0oqy1tT0_DrX_yvaI6kzsqhtNZILovu2CYlT1WP_vlonAKESb7TxgNpWTAcrd4T8GMUdZqgXlesYr0zstSR0yefyaML0Z50pQFt5QADBmy0UcrYUyifxfw1nQHEh0bWpnA/s1600/award+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6bsc06i52A0oqy1tT0_DrX_yvaI6kzsqhtNZILovu2CYlT1WP_vlonAKESb7TxgNpWTAcrd4T8GMUdZqgXlesYr0zstSR0yefyaML0Z50pQFt5QADBmy0UcrYUyifxfw1nQHEh0bWpnA/s320/award+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then, we get to the "others":<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Best Teammate </li>
<li>Most Improved</li>
<li>Most Potential</li>
<li>Most Encouraging</li>
<li>Hardest Trainer</li>
</ul>
This generosity of awards means it really sucks when all the trophies have been distributed and you're not holding one!<br />
<br />
Then there are the league award nights. These mean something. These awards pit your talent and accomplishments against everyone in the competition, not just your own team.<br />
<br />
I once won one of these awards many years ago. In the end, that sucked too. No one knew I was going to receive the award, so I didn't attend the league presentation night. I just dropped by someone's house the next week to pick up my trophy. No applause. No photo's. No respect.<br />
<br />
But still, it meant something. It justified all the training sessions I'd attended. It confirmed that I'd contributed to the team's success. It encouraged me to keep playing the next year.<br />
<br />
On July 15 ESPN hosted the ESPYS: which might be the largest sports awards event in the United States. They handed out 37 different awards. Perhaps you heard about Caitlyn Jenner receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. That was only one headline from the evening. You can view the total list of awards and recipients <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2524130-espy-2015-winners-full-recap-and-results-from-sports-awards" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDt0tjGgxy4cNDPVzosl_7Adqex0blld-Hkf0j5zpaJxCPoeFOHkMJ5HQ9FgOIhyphenhyphen3Yn9T1pynK_iqg0HwWbxktifQgPs7Voq1E62XN2Oqhf8bHoQS6ogEXKu1TVYHLdTJw-QsdAs8HRRr/s1600/award+espy+2014+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDt0tjGgxy4cNDPVzosl_7Adqex0blld-Hkf0j5zpaJxCPoeFOHkMJ5HQ9FgOIhyphenhyphen3Yn9T1pynK_iqg0HwWbxktifQgPs7Voq1E62XN2Oqhf8bHoQS6ogEXKu1TVYHLdTJw-QsdAs8HRRr/s320/award+espy+2014+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On Sunday I attended an awards event with a difference. A local church had a special worship service to celebrate their 20th Anniversary. During the service they made several presentations including:<br />
<ul>
<li>The Lifetime Achievement Award</li>
<li>The Most Improved Award</li>
</ul>
These awards and plaques were given to church members.<br />
<br />
My immediate response was to laugh a little. I'd never seen a Most Improved award at a church before. But then I began thinking....<br />
<br />
I've been around many Christians who are reluctant to give compliments for fear it will give the recipient a big head. We don't want to cause a brother to stumble from pride now, do we?<br />
<br />
On the other hand, this type of public recognition can provide wonderful encouragement.<br />
<br />
Do you ever feel like you're plugging away in a ministry and no one recognises you? Of course, you do it for God, not for personal acclaim, but it sure helps to know our efforts are appreciated.<br />
<br />
Have you ever seen a young Christian growing in faith and long for others to encourage them and get involved in their lives? Maybe a public award isn't such a bad thing.<br />
<br />
I know a fairly large church that had a practice of awarding a "Servant's Towel" once a month to recognise members who had faithfully served God in that congregation. I imagine in a smaller church it might happen once a quarter or once a year because awards really do lose their significance when everyone receives one.<br />
<br />
Isn't it interesting how often Christians talk about Jesus washing his disciples feet in John 13 and no one thinks, "I bet Jesus is going to get a big head knowing that Christians are going to be talking about this act of service for thousands of years to come! John should have left this out of his Gospel so that it would be 'true service', anonymous and unappreciated."<br />
<br />
I'll close with these words from Hebrews 3:13,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Heb-3-13" id="en-VOICE-29125"><b><i>Encourage each other
every day—for as long as we can still say “today”—so none of you let the
deceitfulness of sin harden your hearts</i></b>. </span></blockquote>
<span style="color: blue;"><b>Are there people in your church you would like to give an award? Are there people working hard who could benefit from your encouragement? Are there great ministries taking place that need a little more awareness in the congregation? <br /><br />Be an encourager and defend the hearts of those you love.</b></span>Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-18753640252504122015-07-21T10:38:00.003-07:002015-07-22T07:43:50.626-07:00Reaching One's PotentialI spent far too much time today following The Open Championship (or British Open golf), but with 3 or 4 Aussies in the top 10 all day it was compelling!<br />
<br />
Australians have a lot of golf stories. Most of them are near misses.<br />
<br />
The most famous is Greg Norman's second place at the 1987 Masters when he found himself in a playoff with Seve Ballesteros and Larry Mize. Larry Mize played this shot to win the green jacket:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Overall, Norman posted three runner-up finishes at the Masters and finished second at the U.S. Open and PGA Championship two times each.<br />
<br />
In the 1970's, Bruce Crampton came second in major championships 4 times. Jack Nicklaus won each of those tournaments.<br />
<br />
In 1995 Steve Elkington won the PGA Championship at the Riviera Country Club. Since then, Geoff Ogilvy and Adam Scott are the only other Aussies to win any of golf's four majors. In that same time period Australian golfers have accumulated these near misses by coming in second at the majors:<br />
<ul>
<li>Jason Day - 3</li>
<li>Adam Scott - 2 </li>
<li>Stuart Appleby - 1</li>
<li>Mark Leishman - 1 </li>
</ul>
Then there are other occasions when an Australian has held the lead going into the final day's play, only to sink down the leaderboard as the day progressed. Most notably, Adam Scott at the 2012 British Open and Greg Norman at the 1996 Masters.<br />
<br />
Here's a summary of the Australian fortunes at the Open Championship in 2015:<br />
<ul>
<li>At the end of the third round: Day - T1; Leishman and Scott - T6</li>
<li>Final Results:</li>
<ul>
<li><b>Leishman</b> shoots 6 under but loses a playoff.</li>
<li><b>Day </b>shoots 2 under and misses a playoff by one shot.</li>
<li><b>Scott </b>shoots 1 under, finishing in a tie for 10th.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
My role as a church leader is much like the experience of coaching athletes. I can lay out an individualised training schedule, we can collaborate to come up with a game plan for life, but if the individual doesn't carry it out then they never reach their full potential in God's kingdom.<br />
<br />
So I thought today I'd look for some spiritual advise for Christians who find themselves in the same situation as these guys in the Open Championship.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b6uqhEMXy3jwZ_J2PKJe5qG7rUC4c8KOQb27Lxka6tLuVDdhogSdGy-8etfhQYYmM4Yu4gGt3Z5tkL8DeTeMMhY1nicYABfQ_DIg502tGi16v9iid9nh-7hY4m3tlGcksc2X7wlkgj3C/s1600/Marc+Leishman+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b6uqhEMXy3jwZ_J2PKJe5qG7rUC4c8KOQb27Lxka6tLuVDdhogSdGy-8etfhQYYmM4Yu4gGt3Z5tkL8DeTeMMhY1nicYABfQ_DIg502tGi16v9iid9nh-7hY4m3tlGcksc2X7wlkgj3C/s200/Marc+Leishman+01.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Spiritual Leishman:</b></span> Many Christians will connect with Marc's story. <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-21/marc-leishman-returns-to-pga-tour-after-wife-illness/6408632?section=sport" target="_blank"><b>Earlier this year</b></a> his wife was so sick she spent four days in an induced coma and doctors gave her a less that 5% chance of surviving. The prospect of losing his wife and giving up his sport to care for his two young sons has given Leishman a <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/golf/article-3167615/Marc-Leishman-says-grateful-playing-Open-nearly-losing-wife-three-months-ago.html" target="_blank">new perspective</a> on life and golf, "<i>'I feel like even if I do have a bad day I can still go home and, hopefully, give her a hug and cuddle my boys. For a while it didn't look like I was going to be able to do that.</i>'"<br />
<br />
M<i></i>any Christians have scares and hurts in life that can either drag us down or spur us on. What often makes the difference is our perspective. Will our failures devastate and immobilise us? Abraham reminds us that a Christian perspective never puts too much stock in the here and now. We're living for a more important goal.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="text Heb-11-9" id="en-NIV-30182">By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.</span> </i><span class="text Heb-11-10" id="en-NIV-30183"><i>For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.</i> <b>Hebrews 11:9-10</b></span></blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjlCwsh2CPW4UDCOEC8GlxdpPsiT7AMmkXFcFDjVLcr7JR97QW9IVKqKtankX1t1Z8brWg-34wcWIqxI6umeDiIN9lMVDg1mfewjW-A5zaErpJw3oljv4xLOJggXhU1TwIFZIWc-4b5sm/s1600/golf+Jason+Day+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjlCwsh2CPW4UDCOEC8GlxdpPsiT7AMmkXFcFDjVLcr7JR97QW9IVKqKtankX1t1Z8brWg-34wcWIqxI6umeDiIN9lMVDg1mfewjW-A5zaErpJw3oljv4xLOJggXhU1TwIFZIWc-4b5sm/s200/golf+Jason+Day+01.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Spiritual Day:</b></span> Since 2010 Jason Day has nine top 10 finishes in majors without winning any! He obviously has the talent to compete with the best golfers in the world but always seems to fall just short of victory. Is it a mental thing? Is it nerves? Is it inexperience? Day also has significant health problems and finished 4th at this years US Open despite <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2015/06/20/jason-day-vertigo-us-open-share-of-lead-pga-tour/29059715/" target="_blank"><b>obviously battling vertigo</b></a> on the course.<br />
<br />
I know people who struggle like this. Despite having the necessary skills and determination, in the decisive moment they find themselves giving in to temptation. Failing to live up to their (and God's) expectations. They persist, trusting God for ultimate victory, but in the meantime their failures frustrate them. The apostle Paul reflects this experience in his writing.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Rom-7-17" id="en-VOICE-27254">Now I am no longer the one acting—<i>I’ve lost control</i>—sin has taken up residence in me <i>and is wreaking havoc. </i></span><span class="text Rom-7-18" id="en-VOICE-27255"><sup class="versenum"></sup>I
know that in me, that is, in my fallen human nature, there is nothing
good. I can will myself to do something good, but that does not help me
carry it out. </span><span class="text Rom-7-19" id="en-VOICE-27256">I can determine that I am going to do good, but I don’t do it; instead, I end up living out the evil that I decided not to do. </span><span class="text Rom-7-20" id="en-VOICE-27257">If I end up doing the exact thing I pledged not to do, I am no longer doing it because sin has taken up residence in me. <b>Romans 7:17-20</b> (VOICE)</span></blockquote>
Thankfully, a few verses later Paul also provides some hope for us,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Rom-8-1" id="en-VOICE-27263"><span class="chapternum"></span>Therefore, now no condemnation awaits those who are living in Jesus the Anointed, <i>the Liberating King,</i> </span><span class="text Rom-8-2" id="en-VOICE-27264">because when you live in the Anointed One, Jesus, <i>a new law takes effect</i>. The law of the Spirit of life <i>breathes into you and</i> liberates you from the law of sin and death. <b>Romans 8:1-2 </b>(VOICE)</span></blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0X-k3_m5DbAxQWOD9sdfeOd49I402T_cUm3h2TnXWxB9n7QLCBOLA1KXD7H7iF27Ls_ryuYIy-LnWv6ubdsVLHbIYzCroZD46LAUrY8UhtfzgQd_5GoHeQLe-UOZYywpe0vYn-oL8f5vb/s1600/Adam+Scott+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0X-k3_m5DbAxQWOD9sdfeOd49I402T_cUm3h2TnXWxB9n7QLCBOLA1KXD7H7iF27Ls_ryuYIy-LnWv6ubdsVLHbIYzCroZD46LAUrY8UhtfzgQd_5GoHeQLe-UOZYywpe0vYn-oL8f5vb/s200/Adam+Scott+01.jpg" width="175" /></a><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Spiritual Scott:</b></span> In 2013 Australia anointed Adam Scott a national hero after he became the first Australian to <a href="http://www.godmeetsball.com/2014/04/a-tradition-like-no-other.html" target="_blank"><b>win the Masters</b></a>. On May 19, 2014, Scott took over as the World's #1 ranked golfer. Scott held the number one ranking for eleven weeks until August 2014. But mixed in with all this success have been some gut wrenching performances at the majors.<br />
<br />
Since 2012 Scott has finished 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 10th at the Open Championship. At least in 2012 and 2015 he's been in contention for the win until <a href="http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golf-central-blog/scotts-open-run-ends-back-nine-collapse/?cid=twitter-gc-a-scotts-open-run-ends-back-nine-072015" target="_blank">a string of bogeys</a> in the final round ruined his chances.<br />
<br />
Scott's majors record reminds me of David. He knew the wonders of intimacy with God yet he also experienced some massive setbacks with sin. Some of David's sins were public and resulted in people losing their lives! Here's what he learned. Despite all his success he still needed God's mercy to sustain him. It's easy for us to become overconfident in our gifts and abilities, so failures can really devastate us unless we're willing to acknowledge our dependence upon God.<br />
<br />
After committing murder and adultery David wrote these words to God,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="text Ps-51-10" id="en-NIV-14702">Create in me a pure heart, O God,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-10">and renew a steadfast spirit within me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-51-11" id="en-NIV-14703">Do not cast me from your presence</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-11">or take your Holy Spirit from me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-51-12" id="en-NIV-14704">Restore to me the joy of your salvation</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-12">and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.</span></span></i> <br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Ps-51-13" id="en-NIV-14705">Then I will teach transgressors your ways,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-13">so that sinners will turn back to you.</span></span></i></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Psalm 51:10-13</b></blockquote>
Even in his lowest points he recognised that God could re-create him and in time use him to inspire others in their walk with God.<br />
<br />
This turned into quite a long post, but I hope you pick up the point that as we mentor people in the way of Christ, they go through the same human ups and downs that we all do. Often it's easier to think about athletes "They'll do better next time," than to have the same optimism about people we know well. Just as we don't expect the coaches of these players to give up on them because they didn't win this weekend, it's important for us to persist investing in those we lead.Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-75965206744834454992015-06-09T20:01:00.000-07:002015-06-10T12:32:38.537-07:00The Matheny Manifesto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO1gs-O8rBnl3h1ZyVMOA16X-AU-VHzgwb9lhr1OlAIYAWtg1BwehyphenhyphenRJ6UJ5uTg5OIKtIPlE-rlI5-Q9FtqCiJz6C3aeP3wwZBnUzz7_lpqYL3V5VWhq_wQfTtSEQj9es1ejYKhCBX3yR/s1600/Matheny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO1gs-O8rBnl3h1ZyVMOA16X-AU-VHzgwb9lhr1OlAIYAWtg1BwehyphenhyphenRJ6UJ5uTg5OIKtIPlE-rlI5-Q9FtqCiJz6C3aeP3wwZBnUzz7_lpqYL3V5VWhq_wQfTtSEQj9es1ejYKhCBX3yR/s400/Matheny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As a Cardinals fan, I was thrilled to get my hands on the book <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/petspat-20/detail/055344669X" target="_blank"><b>The Matheny Manifesto</b></a> by Mike Matheny. Matheny arrived at the Cardinals about the same time I started paying attention to them. He was then part of four playoff runs over the next five years. So I have a vested interest.<br />
<br />
To be honest, the book wasn't quite what I expected. Perhaps I just hadn't thought through my expectations very well, but I had expected more of a biography.<br />
<br />
If I'd thought about it I would have remembered the actual <b><a href="http://mikematheny.com/sites/default/files/docs/MathenyManifesto.pdf" target="_blank">Matheny Manifesto</a></b> that went viral online in 2008. I remembered I'd read it. I remembered I was impressed by it. But I didn't remember the details and that it was aimed at youth baseball parents.<br />
<br />
This book will most benefit most parents and coaches of young baseball players. In fact, I'd describe it as a MUST READ! Second, parents and coaches of youths involved in any sport will also put the book down with some great ideas. Third, if you're a fan of the game, the Cardinals, or Matheny himself, you'll enjoy the storytelling that fills the book.<br />
<br />
If there's one quote that summarizes Matheny's overall goal in writing the book and in coaching young players, I found it on the second last page (220).<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I was honored to be a coach, and now I'm humbled to be a [Cardinals] manager and hopefully a mentor. My goal, my obligation, is to pass along what has been imparted to me. When I get that right and serve my guys without another agenda or motive or need to be acknowledged for it, I win their trust and know I have done my job.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>That's what I meant from the beginning when I said youth sports had to be all about the kids.</i></blockquote>
Throughout the book Matheny displays a welcome realism in recognizing that athletic success requires talent and and natural ability. He acknowledges that the vast majority of participants in youth sports leagues will never play in college, and even less will play professional baseball. Given this reality he could easily choose to expend his time, energy and experience on his most talented players. However, Matheny never limits his definition of success to on-field results.<br />
<br />
As stated in the original manifesto Matheny's main goals are as follows: <b>(1)</b> to teach these young men how to play the game of baseball the right way, <b>(2)</b> to be a positive impact on them as young men, and <b>(3)</b> do all of this with class.<br />
<br />
"Class" is an important word for Matheny. It recurs frequently throughout the pages of this book. It seems to represent "old-school" values that Mike holds near and dear to his heart. He insists on his players not protesting calls during a game and shaking hands with the umpires at the end of the game regardless of whether they like the way it was called. He'll rotate all the players through all the positions, giving them an opportunity to gain experience. He won't tolerate parents lobbying coaches for their child's playing time or position, and is just as insistent that parents should do no more than applaud from stands.<br />
<br />
When players or parents can't abide by these requirements, they're asked to leave the team. It's that important.<br />
<br />
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<br />
This book did a great job of weaving stories about the youth league that started all this, about Matheny's own youth baseball experience and his time in the Majors, into a book that clearly wants to promote a set of values. I felt he did all this without ever becoming particularly preachy.<br />
<br />
I particularly appreciated Matheny's willingness to spend an entire chapter discussing his Christian faith journey. While explaining his commitment to Christ, he also described the challenges of knowing when to speak up about faith and when to be silent. Can a devout Christian also be a baseball tough guy? Can a Christian manager stand up for his players as they expect him to do? This chapter describes Mike's growth and approach to these questions.<br />
<br />
I also appreciated his chapter toward the end of the book discussing the end of his Major League career. Matheny fell victim to concussions. As a sports fan we often hear of players having concussions. The recent NFL law suit has raised the public profile of the issue. Matheny provides a glimpse of what life is like for those dealing with serious concussion symptoms, and the struggle "The Toughest Man Alive" had to work through to change his views of what toughness means.<br />
<br />
I am very thankful I received this book from the<a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/"> Blogging for Books</a> program in exchange for this review. They didn't demand that I like it, just read it and write about it. But I genuinely did find this an interesting read and if you like sports I think you will also enjoy the book.<br />
<br />
You can buy the book on Amazon <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/petspat-20/detail/055344669X" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-61819997898525409172015-06-04T10:44:00.000-07:002015-06-04T10:44:49.384-07:00When Shepherds Eat Their SheepFIFA is a corrupt organization.<br />
<br />
We've known it for years. Now the FBI has evidence.<br />
<br />
On 26 May Swiss police arrested seven FIFA officials while another seven officials have also been charged with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.<br />
<br />
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FIFA officials had a sweet setup where they would receive bribes for their personal account in order to give organisational favours such as allocating tournaments. Then they would also use FIFA's organisational money to invest in facilities and various funded development programs. This investment ensured that those countries would continue to vote for the officials in their current roles, maintaining the organisational <i>status quo</i>.<br />
<br />
It seems the event that really shone the spotlight on this corruption was when Qatar was awarded the rights to host the 2022 World Cup. Qatar is a tiny, albeit very rich, Arabian nation. It also has terrible labour practices with thousands of construction workers dying in recent years and hundreds more projected to die on building projects for the World Cup. The climate also seems particularly unsuitable for a World Cup with an average temperature close to 100 degrees Farenheit (38 C). Yet they won the vote.<br />
<br />
Rather than go into further details I'll point you to a several articles from real news sites that you might appreciate:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/27/sports/soccer/fifa-officials-face-corruption-charges-in-us.html" target="_blank"><b>The New York Times</b></a> breaking the story of the initial arrests.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/06/03/how-a-curmudgeonly-old-reporter-exposed-the-fifa-scandal-that-toppled-sepp-blatter/?postshare=9431433335782806" target="_blank"><b>The Washington Post</b></a> interview with a British investigative reporter who uncovered a lot of the corrupt practices.</li>
<li><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/fifa-investigation/story?id=31332200" target="_blank"><b>ABC News (USA)</b></a> summary of the charges and arrests for non-soccer readers.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/05/27/a-body-count-in-qatar-illustrates-the-consequences-of-fifa-corruption/" target="_blank"><b>The Washington Post</b></a> article describing the terrible working conditions in Qatar.</li>
</ul>
It's not as though corruption just appeared on the scene. The Bible has a long history of condemning corrupt leaders. The prophet Jeremiah warns,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Jer-23-2" id="en-NIV-19487">this is what the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done.” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2023&version=NIV" target="_blank">Jer. 23:2</a>)</span></blockquote>
God consistently refers to national leaders and church leaders as "shepherds". An important element of this term involves the concept of stewardship.<br />
<br />
<b>Shepherds do not own their sheep. Shepherds are employees. They care for and protect the sheep on behalf of their owner. </b><br />
<br />
When a shepherd forgets or ignores his role, trouble follows.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>He forgets that he's receiving money to protect the sheep and stops worrying when one wanders away or is attacked.</li>
<li>He starts to think that he has a right to the sheep. After all, he knows their names and personalities.</li>
<li>He begins to think that he's owed more than he receives and since the sheep are practically his it's okay if he sells a couple to make money on the side or even takes one for his own food while he's out on the road.</li>
</ul>
Whether in politics, the church, or sports management, this attitude of ownership and entitlement rather than stewardship is disastrous.<br />
<br />
In many cases it reveals itself in financial or sex scandals. A quick internet search will find numerous examples of such instances in a variety of public offices. Sooner or later these things are exposed to public view.<br />
<br />
FIFA officials forgot they were shepherds of the sport of soccer on behalf of national federations and millions of players and fans around the world.<br />
<br />
Church leaders can lose sight of the truth that they're accountable to God for the souls of the people we lead. We can get caught up in disputes over remuneration, authority, and respect. When this happens we're at risk of falling off the cliff of ownership and entitlement which always ends in scandal. Just ask Sepp Blatter.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
In <b>Acts 20:28</b> Paul provides a prescription for healthy leadership to the elders of the church in the city of Ephesus.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Acts-20-28" id="en-VOICE-26814"><span class="text Acts-20-28" id="en-VOICE-26814"><i>Here are my instructions:</i> </span>diligently guard
yourselves, and diligently guard the whole flock over which the Holy
Spirit has given you oversight. Shepherd the church of God, this
precious church which He made His own through the blood of His own Son. </span></blockquote>
<b>1. Diligently guard yourself.</b> Keep your motives pure. Maintain a strong connection with your Master. <br />
<b>2. Diligently guard your flock.</b> You have a responsibility to care for the souls in your church.<br />
<b>3. The church belongs to God.</b> God acquired possession of the church through the blood of Jesus. Add arrogance to the list of shortcomings of any leader who believes the church is his.<br />
<br />Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-84254698501207824742015-05-27T14:11:00.001-07:002015-05-27T14:11:18.367-07:00Giving Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCefOUL9FiIhQrHJNh2nC623CS5UuV2qjvYw6drMKBjq1_mqMSgVGdvXv_tA8V-Nc-ApcCWiUnXtOinmQGz4hnQNwUFxmHr52ikneivqgQ3Stry1u1uyBKIW2LSd9uH8DbQGBjaAGDGV_w/s1600/Cristiano+Ronaldo+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCefOUL9FiIhQrHJNh2nC623CS5UuV2qjvYw6drMKBjq1_mqMSgVGdvXv_tA8V-Nc-ApcCWiUnXtOinmQGz4hnQNwUFxmHr52ikneivqgQ3Stry1u1uyBKIW2LSd9uH8DbQGBjaAGDGV_w/s320/Cristiano+Ronaldo+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A friend of mine recently <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/2462346/psg-offer-real-madrid-125m-for-in-demand-cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank">shared an article</a> outlining a €125 million bid by French soccer giant, Paris St. Germain for the services of Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't really understand the details of European soccer contracts, but that translates to about US$140,000,000, which is a huge amount.<br />
<br />
My friend, who knows much more about all things soccer than I do, noted, "<i>That kind of expenditure can't be in anyone's business plan.</i>" In a sport without a salary cap, one club's desperation to improve can have a dramatic inflationary effect on every other team in the competition. If other clubs are to remain competitive they will now need to pay their current players more and look to recruit higher priced players from other leagues. In the end, it costs everyone more.<br />
<br />
A similar event occurred in Major League Baseball last year when the <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/miami-marlins-sign-outfielder-to-record-contract/" target="_blank">Miami Marlins signed </a>Giancarlo Stanton to a $325 million, 13-year contract. That record contract averages $25 million per season, or $154,321 per game (if he plays every game). <br />
<br />
In 2014 Stanton averaged .237 and hit 37 home runs. That was good for second place on the home runs scored list. This year he's currently 4th in home runs with 13 but on a pace to surpass last year's total. While he's only averaging .237 he's<a href="http://espn.go.com/mlb/statistics" target="_blank"> leading all baseball</a> with 42 RBI.<br />
<br />
Despite these impressive numbers, the Marlins sit last in their division with an 18-30 record. They've already fired their manager, and appointed their former GM with <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/marlins-hire-a-manager-with-no-experience-but-how-hard-could-it-be/2015/05/24/fc410438-022e-11e5-bc72-f3e16bf50bb6_story.html" target="_blank">no management experience</a> as their new manager.<br />
<br />
Desperate to win, or appear relevant, or something... They've paid so much money to Stanton that they've had to trade other highly paid players. And fans now pay Stanton's salary through higher ticket prices to watch a team that struggles terribly.<br />
<br />
These massive expenditures may be ill-advised, but they're legal.<br />
<br />
Then there are those clubs and players so desperate to win that they'll break the rules to gain a competitive advantage.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if we'll ever really know what happened in the NFL with Tom Brady and "Deflategate". The generally accepted (except by Patriots fans) version of events seems to run like this:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It probably doesn't make any real difference to his performance, but Tom Brady feels most comfortable throwing footballs that are a couple of PSI below the legal limit.</li>
<li>He arranged for clubhouse employees to deflate footballs to his preferred PSI after they'd been examined by officials.</li>
<li>The Indianapolis Colts complained to the NFL about the footballs New England was using and they were found to bee too soft.</li>
<li>Despite apparently incriminating text messages, Brady denied that he had anything to do with the deflated footballs and is currently appealing the NFL penalties he received.</li>
<li>Brady and the Patriots won the Super Bowl with properly inflated footballs. </li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4DyvmxojweXG0HKzAFKl4xLDxxwsmgsPK367ng2qcV2VcXldFICCTAKF2UkpDGyApbEIz4NXNpnuvE-jwD-Hj7ce5gEmOlWKAtKsdwDsEnO8ygVzXBocd8ZQ4L2nsi7cNlKhdYArpe6R/s1600/flat+football+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4DyvmxojweXG0HKzAFKl4xLDxxwsmgsPK367ng2qcV2VcXldFICCTAKF2UkpDGyApbEIz4NXNpnuvE-jwD-Hj7ce5gEmOlWKAtKsdwDsEnO8ygVzXBocd8ZQ4L2nsi7cNlKhdYArpe6R/s320/flat+football+01.jpg" width="320" /></a>Why would someone as talented and successful as Brady involve himself in something like this? Perhaps he thought it wasn't a big deal. A <a href="http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/12/10/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-age-fitness" target="_blank">Sports Illustrated article</a> last year detailed Brady's <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/12/12/tom-brady-meticulous-health-regimen-revealed-article/4VpDoru88XQj7FxpKIQwIK/story.html" target="_blank">meticulous planning</a> and care for his body during and outside the football season. It seems hard to believe a guy dedicated to going to bed a 9pm each night would pay no attention to the inflation of the footballs he throws each week. <br /><br />
After 15 years in the NFL Brady continues to give everything, and maybe a little more than he should, in order to keep winning.<br />
<br />
People will spend enormous amounts of money in an attempt to win a trophy. How many Christians will just throw their loose change in the collection plate?<br />
<br />
People will go to the edge of legality and beyond seeking to build a football dynasty. How many Christians struggle to commit a couple of hours a week to God as we seek to build God's kingdom?<br />
<br />
The dedication of players, owners, and administrators challenges my commitment to the service of God and his people. Would I change my diet if it would help me love others better? Would I go to bed earlier if it allowed me to represent God better? Would I give more money to God's work on the off chance that it might help the church bring someone else to salvation? How much am I willing to work, and how much am I willing to risk for God?<br />
<br />
Jesus told a story of a guy who found the kingdom of God buried in a field, so he sold everything he had and bought the field. Another guy saw the kingdom of God in a precious pearl so he also sold all he had in order to buy the pearl. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt+13&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matt 13:44-46</a>)<br />
<br />
It's funny how we expect the owners and athletes on our favorite teams to "give everything" so that we can experience the joy of winning a championship. At the same time we demand much less of those pursuing eternal life with our Creator.<br />
<br />
Perhaps it's time for a rethink.Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-58653103070164625832015-05-21T08:17:00.000-07:002015-05-21T08:17:36.159-07:00Where Did You Come From, Where Did You GoI stumbled across <a href="http://www.eyeonthenation.com/historic-fight-pacquiao-volunteered-las-vegas-orphanage-mayweather-spent-1-2-million-champagne-read-inspiring-story-real-winner-2/" target="_blank">THIS</a> interesting story about Manny Pacquiao this week.<br />
<br />
Maybe you heard about the Fight of the Century on 2 May between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. This fight sold a record 4.4 million pay-per-view packages, at the record price of $90-$100 per view. In all, the fight's revenue was over $500 million. Of that amount Mayweather receives 60% and Pacquiao 40%.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHHGPqV9uHSx7amvNrTtlGev_PCBqSUkCTcj3hNIcVZFjVlTruPa4-_fjTU0aLRyFskETo8uuHwklpdD3LN9I_gj3dY5cdXY97YPcPI0Mo8c5YPdkU_iHKkdjFLUTZeMoCTAiHSJvMUQV/s1600/Pacquiao+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHHGPqV9uHSx7amvNrTtlGev_PCBqSUkCTcj3hNIcVZFjVlTruPa4-_fjTU0aLRyFskETo8uuHwklpdD3LN9I_gj3dY5cdXY97YPcPI0Mo8c5YPdkU_iHKkdjFLUTZeMoCTAiHSJvMUQV/s400/Pacquiao+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
According to <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-mayweather-pacquiao-ppv-record-20150512-story.html" target="_blank">the LA Times</a> the previous revenue record was "the 2007 Mayweather-Oscar De La Hoya bout [which] generated a
prior-record 2.5 million buys, and Mayweather’s 2013 victory over Saul
“Canelo” Alvarez established a record $150 million in pay-per-view
sales."<br />
<br />
Floyd Mayweather won the fight in a unanimous points decision.<br />
<br />
Mayweather's payday for this single fight surpassed the previous record of athlete earnings in A YEAR! That was Tiger Woods, who in 2008 earned <a href="http://www.news.com.au/sport/boxing/how-much-money-did-floyd-mayweather-make-vs-manny-pacquiao/story-fndkzthy-1227346641336pv-record-20150512-story.html" target="_blank">$125 million</a>. Even Pacquiao's smaller share of a $500 million purse would surpass Tiger's previous annual income record.<br />
<br />
In the shadow of these huge dollar amounts, the story I link to at the start provides great perspective. I'm not sure how precise the journalism is, but I presume the core elements of the story are factual.<br />
<br />
Shortly after losing his bout on 2 May, Manny Pacquiao slipped away to visit St Jude's Ranch for Children outside Las Vegas. There, in the middle of night, he unloaded boxes of boxing equipment and conducted an impromptu coaching session.<br />
<br />
Although a superstar in the boxing world, Pacquiao apparently visits this children's ranch each time he's in Las Vegas.<br />
<br />
The story contains this important quote,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"In 1995, before my first big professional fight, my close friend Eugene
Barutag was also an up-and-coming boxer. He said, ‘Manny, don’t you ever
forget where you came from. If you forget that, it doesn’t matter how
much you win. If you lose where you come from, you lose it all.’"</blockquote>
Pacquiao was raised in poverty in the Philippines, so his actions described in this story certainly indicate that he hasn't forgotten his roots.<br />
<br />
This past week I was also challenged to consider my past, but in a different context than Manny. I suspect that for those of us raised in the church, very few of us maintain exactly the same beliefs as our parents, or home congregation. Over time we have different experiences to our parents' generation. Culture changes. We come to see the world differently, and that influences the way we read and/or apply Scripture to our lives and society.<br />
<br />
It's often tempting to look at people who live at a different point on the theological spectrum through a fog of superiority. Sometimes I see mature Christians adopt this attitude toward younger Christians. Often I see more liberal or progressive Christians peer down their (our) noses at more conservative Christians. And of course fundamentalist Christians can mock liberals for their complete disrespect of Scripture.<br />
<br />
What convicted me was the recognition that I'm often tempted to dismiss people today who are at the same place in their relationship with God that I was 10, 15 or 20 years ago. I'm grateful to the people in my life who didn't dismiss my views as rudimentary or uneducated.<br />
<br />
I think that it's easy for me to see myself on a spiritual growth continuum, and give myself grace. It's also easy for me to view others as having their beliefs and behaviours set in concrete at their current point with no prospect of growth.<br />
<br />
I need to remind myself, "Where did you come from? Where did you go?" And I need to give others the same grace given me: room for them to grow.<br />
<br />
I can learn from Manny Pacquiao. It's easy give grace when I'm feeling good and undefeated. It's much more difficult to show that same grace, even as I struggle with loss and hurt in my own life.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple;"><b><i><span class="text Rom-12-3">Because of the grace that God gave me, I can
say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you
ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a
portion of faith to each one of you.</span></i></b></span><span class="text Rom-12-3"><span style="color: purple;"><b> (Romans 12:3 CEB)</b></span></span></blockquote>
Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-47575803301793134592015-05-12T16:55:00.002-07:002015-05-12T16:55:27.259-07:00Extreme FatigueMatt Carpenter plays third base for the <a href="http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=stl" target="_blank">St. Louis Cardinals</a> and he's had a stellar start to the season. He's currently ranked no worse than 16th in all of the traditional batting statistics. (.333/.403/.620)<br />
<br />
On a team that was leading Major League Baseball in wins, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/05/07/matt-carpenter-cardinals-all-star-torii-hunter/70965644/" target="_blank">USA Today</a> described Carpenter as <span>"<i>not only the catalyst, but the heartbeat of the Cardinals, who are off to their best start, 21-7, in franchise history.</i>"</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.sportsworldreport.com/data/images/full/4458/matt-carpenter.jpg?w=640" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.sportsworldreport.com/data/images/full/4458/matt-carpenter.jpg?w=640" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
<span>More than just a a great player, Carpenter describes himself on his Twitter profile (<a href="https://twitter.com/MattCarp13" target="_blank">@MattCarp13</a>) as </span><span>"Christian, Husband, STL Cardinal, Elkins Knight and TCU Horned Frog 4 life!"</span><br />
<br />
<span>Everything seems cheery for this All-Star on the team that played in last year's National League finals and looks like making a great run at it again this year. Then suddenly things changed.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>Towards the end of a game against the Pirates on 3 May, Carpenter </span> felt an accelerated heart rate and dehydration and was subbed out of the game. He played the next three games against the Cubs but was only 1 for 12 at the plate.<br />
<br />
Carpenter was diagnosed with "extreme fatigue" and left behind in St Louis while the team traveled to Pittsburgh. <br />
<br />
Carpenter is known for his work ethic. He routinely gets to the stadium 7 hours before the first pitch. A quote in the USA Today article reveals his mindset, "<span>I guess I never thought I was very good. So I thought I had to
really work to achieve. I always thought someone was going to come take
my job, or that today is my last game."</span><br />
<br />
<span>His manager, Mike Matheny, observed that this case of extreme fatigue came toward the end of a stretch of 20 games in 20 days. In a <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/extreme-fatigue-sidelines-carpenter/article_908a9751-d2d2-5f31-83bc-cf375bb084cf.html" target="_blank">St. Louis Post-Dispatch article</a>, </span>"[Matheny] described how Carpenter has been "pushing, pushing, pushing" and even
when given Sunday off Carpenter went through a running program. Matheny
also said that Carpenter has told the team he's had trouble sleeping."<br />
<br />
It might surprise most church members to learn that burnout is a real threat for most preachers. In fact there's <a href="http://www.pastorburnout.com/" target="_blank">a website</a> dedicated to it. One statistic from that site says that "40% of pastors and 47% of spouses are suffering from burnout, frantic schedules, and/or unrealistic expectations."<br />
<br />
So think about your ministers, their wives, elders and other ministry leaders in your church. Are they encouraged to rest? <b>You can play a vital role in your church's health by encouraging leaders to pace themselves and allow others to take on some of their workload. </b><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcHleD4JJXxoUt4yhwnGOBwKeh3lUuxi9EtnbH_Dr9gBoUVqbGKS1P8KyI9lvrPvDtEeUh27ZS72dOG8Td1vLtxmN3qVXqPJRaw27Byk9-XeYqMxZv2NH2Qr_mHP9MiPYIpBC_ixznJjH/s1600/fatigue+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcHleD4JJXxoUt4yhwnGOBwKeh3lUuxi9EtnbH_Dr9gBoUVqbGKS1P8KyI9lvrPvDtEeUh27ZS72dOG8Td1vLtxmN3qVXqPJRaw27Byk9-XeYqMxZv2NH2Qr_mHP9MiPYIpBC_ixznJjH/s320/fatigue+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But ministers aren't the only people in the church who battle burnout. How often do you greet someone at church, ask them how they are, and they respond, "Busy"? Have you ever had someone answer that question by saying, "I'm well rested and content"?<br />
<br />
<br />
Sadly, many of us forget that God built a day of rest into Creation. Think about it. If God needed a day of rest after 6 days of work, who are we to think we can work and run incessantly? <br />
<br />
I hope that Matt Carpenter doesn't have a health concern more serious than Extreme Fatigue. I also hope that Christians don't somehow think that Extreme Fatigue comes with the territory of living for Christ. That's a lie our culture feeds us. Burnout is as great an enemy as Laziness. Unfortunately our culture only condemns one.<br />
<br />
Laziness is a vice. Burnout is a weakness. And "busyness" is productivity. <br />
<br />
If Christians buy into this worldview we'll find ourselves battling Extreme Fatigue. We'll be too exhausted to give God our best. And before long we'll find ourselves seeking God's approval through our activity. We might even view our fatigue as a sign that we're "giving our all" for God.<br />
<br />
Matt Carpenter reminds us when we're running on empty we can't help our team the way they need us to. We'll be sitting on the sidelines recovering instead of participating.<br />
<br />
<b>Whether an athlete or a Christian, we all need to integrate rest into our lives. God made us this way.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
A friend of mine recently shared some thoughts along a similar line that I encourage you to read <a href="http://start2finish.org/is-it-time-for-a-rest/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>. Also, if you're looking for a longer discussion on the topic of Sabbath, I've written more <a href="https://ozziepete.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/sabbath-a-spiritual-discipline/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-30272995706156164812015-04-30T09:51:00.000-07:002015-04-30T09:51:04.268-07:00Drafting GodToday the NFL hosts its draft.<br />
<br />
Fans across the country hold their collective breath in anticipation of their team drafting a player that will turn their team's fortunes around. Sadly, there will still only be one Superbowl winner next year. This means that despite the hope and anticipation all teams experience at the end of the draft, 31 teams will play all next season as an exercise in futility.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0sYmh8TkNjH83zc0j-lrHWuaOLFWN2wF-KKmWOMINxGQUKnswSRBkWxHJ1TKZ3HlmsVytIBqv0Bs46-uOuMugzqz2rx76QPqlsiOw6v66Q-9y9un7bDVpz6wDkiUQEx_v85M5cSAz_yW/s1600/NFL+draft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0sYmh8TkNjH83zc0j-lrHWuaOLFWN2wF-KKmWOMINxGQUKnswSRBkWxHJ1TKZ3HlmsVytIBqv0Bs46-uOuMugzqz2rx76QPqlsiOw6v66Q-9y9un7bDVpz6wDkiUQEx_v85M5cSAz_yW/s1600/NFL+draft.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Each year the draft provides a moment of introspection for each team. They must look themselves in the mirror and ask: Where are our weaknesses? What failures do we need to admit? What do we need to emphasise to improve? What are our team priorities? How doe we value skill versus character? What players or positions will we continue to seek to develop, and who do we need to release?<br />
<br />
The teams undertake this process in the harsh spotlight of fans and the media.<br />
<br />
Christians need to periodically go through a similar process of introspection. It makes us feel uncomfortable, but we need to look ourselves in the mirror and ask:<br />
<ul>
<li>Where are the weaknesses in my relationship with God?</li>
<li>Who have I failed? Whose forgiveness should I seek?</li>
<li>What do I need to emphasise to improve my spiritual growth?</li>
<li>What are my life priorities?</li>
<li>How important is developing character compared to looking for results?</li>
<li>Are there people, habits, or attitudes that I need to release? Are there others I need to persist at developing?</li>
</ul>
Thankfully, we don't need to do this in the harsh spotlight of friends and media! But people will see a difference.<br />
<br />
So here's a list of spiritual disciplines. Which one do you need to prioritise in your life as a #1 draft pick?<br />
<br />
<b>Disciplines of Abstinence</b> (Defense) These practices allow us to relinquish something in order to gain
something new. We abstain from “busy-ness” in ministry, family life, and
work. We stop talking for a while to hear from God.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Solitude</li>
<li>Silence</li>
<li>Sabbath</li>
<li>Secrecy</li>
<li>Submission</li>
<li>Fasting</li>
<li>Frugality </li>
</ul>
<b>Disciplines of Engagement </b>(Offense) It’s choosing to participate in activities that nurture our souls and strengthen us for the race ahead.<ul>
<li>Bible Reading</li>
<li>Prayer</li>
<li>Worship</li>
<li>Spiritual Conversations</li>
<li>Journaling</li>
<li>Service</li>
<li>Scripture Meditation</li>
<li>Encouraging</li>
</ul>
Where are your priorities?<br />
<br />
Don't try and choose all of these at once. You only get one first round pick. When that pick is performing well for you, then it's time to make your second selection.Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-88489675583209123712015-04-27T08:27:00.000-07:002015-04-27T09:32:35.942-07:00One in 2.4 Million<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6RdbCXLjwmwPDSQwyz50BcTcMiQ70ZSP2FdBI9SVNg4GVFKlECG710YOlXpZ9j8cW3vufXKhAaxgCSieBuK4FEp3AX5_AYI4tXf5AySfQtleAW4xWTupC5lhh85UdrZf796olQzvBJif/s1600/NFL+Schedule.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6RdbCXLjwmwPDSQwyz50BcTcMiQ70ZSP2FdBI9SVNg4GVFKlECG710YOlXpZ9j8cW3vufXKhAaxgCSieBuK4FEp3AX5_AYI4tXf5AySfQtleAW4xWTupC5lhh85UdrZf796olQzvBJif/s1600/NFL+Schedule.png" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
On Tuesday evening the NFL released its schedule for the 2015/16 season. Four men spend four months working on identifying the best schedule for the coming year.<br />
<br />
Since the NFL teams play each other on a rotating basis the actual matchups for the season fill themselves in automatically. Each team plays the other teams in its division twice. Each division also automatically matches up with another division in their conference and another division in the opposing conference. <a href="http://i.imgur.com/Gq7SvMf.png" target="_blank"><b>This excellent diagram</b></a> illustrates the process.<br />
<br />
With all the matchups determined, the scheduling team must first fill in the TV schedule. They identify the biggest games and decide on which weekends and time slots to place them. For instance, which teams will play on Thanksgiving? Which teams will feature on Monday night football? And Thursday night football?<br />
<br />
They also need to take into consideration outside influences like stadium renovations, and competing major events in NFL cities. This year the NFL ensured that Pittsburgh will play on the road the weekend that the Pope is in town.<br />
<br />
For a more detailed description of this process I <b>highly recommend</b> <a href="http://mmqb.si.com/2015/04/22/nfl-schedule-release-pope/" target="_blank"><b>THIS ARTICLE</b></a> by Peter King. I found if fascinating reading. Here are the highlights:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>32 teams </li>
<li>2.4 million possible combinations.</li>
<li>136 computers</li>
<li>50 "must have" criteria</li>
<li>200 schedules manually reviewed</li>
<li>#37,793 was the winner</li>
</ul>
At first glance it seems ridiculous for 4 men to work full-time for 4 months on a schedule. What many people, and churches, fail to appreciate is the importance of managing the calendar.<br />
<br />
My church is in the middle of May Madness. At least every other week we have had a special event.<br />
<ul>
<li>Easter</li>
<li>New Elder Appointment and a Congregational Meal</li>
<li>New Member Recognition</li>
<li>Graduate Recognition and a Congregational Meal</li>
<li>Mothers Day</li>
</ul>
Our calendar is so crowded this year that one of our ministries that has run for the past 8 months isn't able to schedule a year end fellowship on a Sunday because of the rash of special events.<br />
<br />
I am working with my congregation to establish fixed dates for special events, so that everyone knows what to expect at different times of the year.<br />
<br />
We also have a small team that identifies which Sundays in the year we will emphasis as special events and "invite your neighbors" days.<br />
<br />
Even with these efforts, I can't say that our church has a calendar strategy such as: No more than one congregational meal per quarter, or We must have an service activity every quarter. We don't have congregational goals for summer, just an awareness that our attendance will be down.<br />
<br />
I suspect that most churches could learn a lot from the NFL's attention to their calendar.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Does your church manage it's calendar well? Does your church have a calendar strategy or a calendar lottery? What do you like or dislike about the scheduling of events?</b></span></span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-88014445146079358902015-04-09T10:43:00.000-07:002015-04-09T10:43:08.788-07:00Playing to LoseI am not overly familiar with European soccer, but I have come to love the concept of relegation between divisions found throughout European leagues. This keeps everyone fighting for a win. In the English league the bottom two teams at the end of the season in a given division will be relegated to the next lower division. At the same time, the top two teams from that lower division will be promoted to the higher division.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DE8uAGRYBng/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DE8uAGRYBng?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
According to Wikipedia....<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The English football league system, is a series of interconnected leagues for men's <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Association football">association football</a> clubs in <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="England">England</a>. The system has a hierarchical format with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Promotion and relegation">promotion and relegation</a>
between leagues at different levels, allowing even the smallest club
the hypothetical possibility of ultimately rising to the very top of the
system. There are more than 140 individual leagues, containing more
than 480 divisions<sup>.</sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_football_league_system#cite_note-1"></a></sup>
The exact number of clubs varies from year to year as clubs join and
leave leagues or fold altogether, but an estimated average of 15 clubs
per division implies that more than 7,000 teams of nearly 5,300 clubs
are members of a league in the English men's football league system.</blockquote>
<br />
<span id="goog_1383544534"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1383544535"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lcfc.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtrZajim0psjCk6wP123ONiW2qmpNInMjXr4r6V4WGjKPFK75zEhXmArRd6CeyB1bieBbz0T1EoqRsglzKpzeagx45I4hmuJWkabetaGmXRCzIJueCvYEmfk303YTMOu6Q387v8CPqPfd/s1600/LeicesterCity.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lcfc.com/" target="_blank">Currently facing relegation from the English Premier League.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the lower division the player salaries are lower and usually the profits for the club are much lower as fans and general interest level wane. Only the the top 4 or 5 leagues are able to sustain full teams of professional players.<br />
<br />
One fundamental reason this will never take off in the United States is that owners have so much invested in their teams that they're unwilling to risk that investment by being demoted to a lower league. Can you imagine if the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2323594-knicks-set-franchise-record-for-longest-single-season-losing-streak" target="_blank"><b>NY Knicks</b></a> were playing in the <a href="http://dleague.nba.com/" target="_blank"><b>D-League</b></a> next year? How many tens of millions of dollars would <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_L._Dolan" target="_blank"><b>James Dolan</b></a> lose?<br />
<br />
Of course, if they won the D-League they'd make it back to the NBA the following season, but that one year absence could be crippling. And if they didn't win the D-League New York City might be without an NBA team for a long time. Not a single NBA owner would be happy to have an NBA team leaving the NYC media market and being replaced with current D-League leader the <b><a href="http://maine.dleague.nba.com/" target="_blank">Maine Red Claws</a></b> who play in Portland, Maine in front of about 5,000 fans.<br />
<br />
<b>Not. Going. To. Happen!</b><br />
<br />
HOWEVER, because it's not going to happen, fans of all professional sports in the US will continue to find themselves cheering for their teams to lose in the hope of getting a top draft choice and rebounding next year.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/929jackfm.com/files/2012/01/Sabres-011312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/929jackfm.com/files/2012/01/Sabres-011312.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"It's us against the world, Guys!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I live an hour from Buffalo, NY. The <a href="http://sabres.nhl.com/index.html" target="_blank"><b>Buffalo Sabres</b></a> ice hockey team<b> </b>has spent weeks locked in a neck-and-neck struggle with the <a href="http://coyotes.nhl.com/" target="_blank"><b>Arizona Coyotes</b></a> for the worst record in the NHL. By finishing last the Sabres would be guaranteed one of the first two picks in the NHL draft.<br />
<br />
This desire to lose isn't even a secret. <a href="http://www.wgr550.com/This-week-in-the-race-for-30th/21323056" target="_blank">Here's an article</a> on the Sabre's official radio partner's website describing what the team needs to do to lock up last place in the league. When the Coyotes came to Buffalo a couple of weeks ago, sections of <a href="http://www.wgr550.com/You-Make-The-Call-Go-Leafs-Go-/21293900" target="_blank">the crowd cheered</a> when Buffalo lost. What a crazy mixed up system.<br />
<br />
I believe that the players continue to play for wins, but perhaps without their usual passion. The players play for their reputation, for their next contract, because that's all they know to do. Meanwhile, the team bureaucracy undermines their efforts by trading stars and including young "development" players in the lineup. Officially, this is how they build for the future. Unofficially, it's how they guarantee losses to gain high draft picks.<br />
<br />
<div class="alpha">
Other sports are just the same. Should I cheer for <i>my</i> Indiana Pacers to make the playoffs when I expect them to bomb out in the first round, or hope they lose a few games to improve their draft position. This headline and article from Grantland.com pretty much sums up the dilemma, this time for Boston, </div>
<div class="alpha">
<br /></div>
<div class="alpha">
<a href="http://grantland.com/the-triangle/a-playoff-problem-if-the-celtics-are-trying-to-rebuild-then-why-the-postseason-push/" target="_blank"><b>"A Playoff Problem: If the Celtics Are Trying to Rebuild, Then Why the Postseason Push?"</b></a></div>
<br />
Wouldn't it be beautiful and exciting and nerve-wracking if these teams were instead fighting to win each night in order to avoid relegation?!?!<br />
<br />
Spiritually, I feel the existing system forces the fans and team administrators to adopt the role of Satan. He sees people desiring to live good lives, longing to honour God, striving to serve others, and doing their best. All the time he's attempting to undermine their efforts and cheers each time we lose. He discourages us and seeks to convince us that winning is futile and even impossible: that the odds are stacked against us.<br />
<br />
Sometimes Satan promises a brighter future in exchange for a short-term defeat. Isn't this what he offered Jesus when he showed him the world? <i><span class="text Matt-4-9" id="en-NIV-23219">“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”</span></i><span class="text Matt-4-9" id="en-NIV-23219"> One defeat, one loss, one compromise, and you'll gain the world. Tomorrow you will have everything you desire. Loss will lead to victory!</span><br />
<span class="text Matt-4-9" id="en-NIV-23219"><br /></span>
<span class="text Matt-4-9" id="en-NIV-23219">In contrast, God cheers us on and motivates our victories with heavenly crowd noise. When we're struggling he's still present, still cheering, still hoping for triumphs and mourning losses. He knows that long-term success is a process. He provides a winning culture and supportive environment in the church. Through this spiritual community He supplies spiritual coaches and mentors to keep us building and moving in the right direction. As the team owner he holds nothing back that will help us reach our goals.</span><br />
<span class="text Matt-4-9" id="en-NIV-23219"><br /></span>
<span class="text Matt-4-9" id="en-NIV-23219">We'll lose at times. God knows that. He recognises that losses build character. Good things can come out of great difficulties. But He never cheers for us to lose. There is no shortcut to our spiritual finish line.</span>Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-27223201080966882852015-03-24T11:41:00.000-07:002015-03-25T17:35:52.811-07:00A Forgiveness Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I'm very grateful to my friend <b>Lane Widick</b> for agreeing to share this article that he recently shared on <a href="https://ministerlane.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>his personal blog</b></a>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ministerlane.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/monedavispic1.jpg?w=593&h=334" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="monedavispic1" border="0" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1206" height="225" src="https://ministerlane.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/monedavispic1.jpg?w=593&h=334" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
By now, you’ve probably heard of <a href="http://www.si.com/more-sports/2014/08/19/mone-davis-little-league-world-series-sports-illustrated-cover" target="_blank"><b>Mo’Ne Davis</b></a> and her stunning rise to
stardom as the pitcher for a little league team in the world series. She even made the cover of Sports Illustrated!<br />
<br />
Recently, a young man who played baseball for Bloomsburg University,
made a statement on Twitter that is too vulgar to repeat on a Christian
blog, but needless to say, you would be picking your jaw of the floor
after reading what he stated.<br />
<br />
The university promptly kicked Joey Casselberry, the player in question, off the team.<br />
<br />
Mo’Ne had every right to be upset. What was said about her shouldn’t be said about anyone, much less a teenager.<br />
<br />
But do you know what she did? She wrote a letter to the university, and it says this:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Dear Dr. Soltz</b></i> (the President of the university)<i><b>,</b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>I am writing about the Tweet sent out by your baseball player, Joey Casselberry, and his dismissal from the team because of it. While I admit I was pretty hurt when I read his comments, I felt sad that he was dismissed from the team. As many people know, my dream is to play college basketball and maybe even professionally. I know how much hard work and dedication it will take to get there, and to have that dream taken away would be heartbreaking. I am sure Joey Casselberry has worked very hard to get where he is and dreams of playing in the major leagues. For this reason, I’m asking you to please allow him back on the team so that he can continue to chase his dream. He made one dumb mistake. I’m sure he would go back and change it if he could. We all make mistakes and deserve to be forgiven. I hope you will give him a second chance and allow him to play.<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br /> Mo’Ne Davis</b></i><br />
<br />
You know what, I’ve made dumb mistakes before. We all have done
things that we shouldn’t have done. I find it refreshing to see someone
who not only forgave the offender, but came to the defense of the
defender. What a lesson to learn from a 13 year old girl.<br />
<br />
A lot of us may say we forgive someone, but we want their heads for
what they did to us. Forgiveness accompanied with actions such as that
is not real forgiveness. What if Jesus said “Father, please forgive
them, for they don’t know what they’re doing,” but then followed that
with “But in 3 days when I rise from the dead, I’m going to make sure
each person that mocked me, beat me, spit on me, or drove a nail in my
hands – is dealt with in a swift and proper way.”<br />
<br />
We say things like “Well, in the business world, if this happened…” –
but you know what? I don’t think Jesus meant “Forgive others, but then
treat them like the business world would treat them.”<br />
<br />
Maybe we all need to learn a lesson from Mo’Ne. If someone says
they're sorry, no matter how vile or tame their words may be – we forgive,
and truly forgive, and move on. No need to be like the Queen of Hearts
with a “Off with their heads” mentality.Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-34602624212885722872015-03-18T14:58:00.000-07:002015-03-18T14:58:10.733-07:00He's Worth How Much!?!How much is a person worth? If that person is an NFL super star the answer is, "a whole lot of dough!"<br />
<br />
It's free agency season. The time of year when NFL players whose contracts have expired become the subject of a bidding war between teams vying for their services. Some of these star players will receive a contract worth more money that most people will make in a lifetime!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/sites/csnbayarea/files/gore-frank-colts-contract.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.csnbayarea.com/sites/csnbayarea/files/gore-frank-colts-contract.jpg" height="135" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/" target="_blank">HERE's</a> a list of the 2015 free agent signings.<br />
<br />
While some of the headline numbers are impressive, the key number is the guaranteed amount. For example: Colt McCoy will be the backup quarterback for the Washington Redskins. He signed a one year contract for $1.5 million. Only $150,000 of that is guaranteed. So if the team decided to cut him during training camp, he only receives 10% of the $1.5 million that was announced.<br />
<br />
At the top end of the table even the guaranteed amounts are overwhelming. <a href="http://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/6511/"></a>Defensive tackle, Ndamukong Suh, is guaranteed to receive at least $59,955,000 over the next 6 years from the Miami Dolphins. Tight end Julius Thomas moves from Denver to Jacksonville for a guaranteed $24,000,000 over the next 5 years. Frank Gore signed a 3 year deal with the Colts that guarantees him $6,500,000.<br />
<br />
Each player has a value assigned to him.<br />
<br />
Many people look at these numbers, then huff and puff over how outrageous these amounts are. "<i>How can someone playing a sport be worth $100,000,000?!?</i>" "<i>How are they making the world a better place?</i>"<br />
<br />
I'm not going to argue that these football players make a greater contribution to society than a preschool teacher. However, economics dictate that these players will generate the money they're paid. In fact, they'll generate <u>more</u> than the outrageous amounts they're paid because the owners of the teams will walk away with even more than the players!<br />
<br />
Can you imagine if each NFL team listed it's profits each year? How much did each owner's wealth increase? Then we might have legitimate reason to complain. In the meantime, we're the ones giving our hard earned dollars to increase their wealth. That's a choice on our part.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, in God's eyes we all have equal value. It took the early church a while to appreciate this fact, but in Acts 10:34-35 the apostle Peter announces, "<i><b><span class="text Acts-10-34" id="en-NIV-27294">I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism</span></b></i><span class="text Acts-10-35" id="en-NIV-27295"><i><b><sup class="versenum"> </sup>but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.</b></i>"</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Acts-10-35" id="en-NIV-27295">How much are you worth to God? Enough to allow His Son to die for your benefit! There aren't enough zeroes in the world to write that number!</span>Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-22828573854226414532015-03-10T11:03:00.000-07:002015-03-10T11:04:51.437-07:00UndefeatedMany of my posts (like <a href="http://www.godmeetsball.com/2015/02/thank-god-for-minnows.html" target="_blank"><b>this one</b></a>) support the little guy. I love to see the Davids defeat the Goliaths... unless the Goliaths are my favourites. In many ways this is a very biblical storyline. Weak, little, young David defeats strong, big, experienced Goliath by the power of God.<br />
<br />
<div class="line">
We find throughout the Bible that God uses outcasts and people with serious problems to accomplish his mission. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 1:27 we read that God intentionally "<i>selected the world’s weak to bring disgrace upon those who think they are strong.</i>" (VOICE) A little later in 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul describes how in a time of struggle God explained to him, "<i><span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10">My grace is enough; it’s all you need. </span></i><span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10"><i>My strength comes into its own in your weakness.</i>" (MSG)</span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10"><b>God's strength comes into its own in your weakness.</b></span></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10">This really seems like biblical authority to cheer for the underdog. It justifies my dislike of the Yankees (MLB), Collingwood (Aussie Rules), Patriots (NFL) and Kentucky Basketball (NCAA).</span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZRUC7NgWC345Z4NOpBC0xrsWVFiJafbbuu2_eVCFx6r6UCgfKI4TSlKSBdWK9hG0FeBdjEjR4qkfNAHnYm_cYFH5ChgEP8b_XG4GWulsp8R8rGRNxKcCjHUPBixtnlVutRlKZdUjc2K3/s1600/Kentucky+basketball+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZRUC7NgWC345Z4NOpBC0xrsWVFiJafbbuu2_eVCFx6r6UCgfKI4TSlKSBdWK9hG0FeBdjEjR4qkfNAHnYm_cYFH5ChgEP8b_XG4GWulsp8R8rGRNxKcCjHUPBixtnlVutRlKZdUjc2K3/s1600/Kentucky+basketball+01.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10">The last on that list is particularly pertinent today as the Kentucky Wildcats just completed an undefeated regular season of college basketball. Their <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25097182/kentucky-wildcats-finish-regular-season-undefeated-go-31-0" target="_blank">31-0 season</a> makes them a unanimous #1 in the <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25099719/ap-poll-kentucky-still-no-1-duke-rises-up-to-no-2" target="_blank">Associated Press poll</a> and a prohibitive favourite to win the national championship.</span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10">I find it all a bit boring really. </span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10">Kentucky wins. Kentucky wins again. Oh, that's a close one... but Kentucky wins again. et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.</span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10">Then I realised. God is like the 2015 Kentucky Wildcats. He's big. He's dominant. He's undefeated.</span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10">In Jesus, God defeated Satan. God defeated sin. God defeated death. And while we continue to play the game, the outcome is sure. God wins. Because we're on God's team, we win too. </span></div>
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10"></span><br />
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10"></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10">When Jesus hung on the cross it appeared that Satan was victorious, but Jesus came back from the dead and the result wasn't even close. Now we wait the final trumpet [buzzer] when we get to celebrate with Him.</span></div>
<div class="line">
</div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10">I
don't always feel like a winner, so I need reminders that although I'm a
David, God's even bigger than the Goliaths in my life. And I'm on His
team.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="line">
<b><span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10">I still don't like Kentucky, but if they help me think of my God I can appreciate them for that.</span></b></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text 2Cor-12-7-2Cor-12-10"><u> </u></span></div>
<span class="text 1Cor-15-51" id="en-VOICE-27907">Stay
close because I am going to tell you a mystery—something you may have
trouble understanding: we will not all fall asleep in death, but we will
all be transformed. </span> <span class="text 1Cor-15-52" id="en-VOICE-27908"><sup class="versenum">52 </sup><i>It will all happen so fast,</i>
in a blink, a mere flutter of the eye. The last trumpet will call, and
the dead will be raised from their graves with a body that does not,
cannot decay. All of us will be changed! </span> <span class="text 1Cor-15-53" id="en-VOICE-27909"><sup class="versenum">53 </sup>We’ll step out of our mortal clothes and slide into immortal bodies, <i>replacing everything that is subject to death with eternal life.</i> </span> <span class="text 1Cor-15-54" id="en-VOICE-27910"><sup class="versenum">54 </sup>And,
when we are all redressed with bodies that do not, cannot decay, when
we put immortality over our mortal frames, then it will be as <i>Scripture</i> says:</span><br />
<div class="poetry top-1">
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<span class="text 1Cor-15-54"><i>Life everlasting</i> has victoriously swallowed death.</span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-15-55" id="en-VOICE-27911"><sup class="versenum">55 </sup>Hey, Death! What happened to your big win?</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-15-55">Hey, Death! What happened to your sting?</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-15-56" id="en-VOICE-27912"><sup class="versenum">56 </sup>Sin came <i>into this world</i>, and death’s sting <i>followed</i>. Then sin took aim at the law and gained power <i>over those who follow the law.</i> </span> <span class="text 1Cor-15-57" id="en-VOICE-27913"><sup class="versenum">57 </sup>Thank God, then, for our Lord Jesus, the Anointed, <i>the Liberating King,</i> who brought us victory <i>over the grave</i>. <b>1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (</b>VOICE<b>)</b></span></div>
Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012095313874249003.post-58113954176774500712015-02-23T14:33:00.000-08:002015-02-23T14:35:18.337-08:00Thank God for the Minnows<b>Q. </b>What do Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Scotland, United Arab Emirates and Ireland have in common?<br />
<b>A. </b>They're all currently competing in the Cricket World Cup. #cwc15<br />
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<a href="http://ptvsports.tv/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Afghanistan-Squad-for-the-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ptvsports.tv/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Afghanistan-Squad-for-the-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The highly stratified <a href="http://www.icc-cricket.com/about/96/icc-members/overview" target="_blank">world of cricket</a> currently consists of the top 10 international teams (Full Members: who are the only teams permitted to play the 5 day Test matches) and the 38 Associate nations who are trying to reach the top tier and then 57 Affiliate nations who don't really have a national governing body in place.<br />
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In the meantime, the Associates compete amongst themselves for the honor of playing with the big boys in the Cricket World Cup or T20 World Cup. Occasionally, the Associate teams may play matches against Full Members outside of world cups, but these opportunities are extremely limited.<br />
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Among the Full Members, Sri Lanka entered the club in 1981. Zimbabwe played its first test match in 1992. While it retains full membership, it withdrew itself from test competition in 2006. Bangladesh became the 10th test playing nation in 2000.<br />
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Each of these nations competed as Associates before making the transition to Full Member competitors. However, progress has been slow for these teams. After winning just four games out of 26 during the first five ICC
Cricket World Cup tournaments, the next edition brought the most
unlikely winner of a major international cricket tournament thus far.
20 years in the making, Sri Lanka's victory over Australia in the 1996 final was the breakthrough moment for this team. Similarly, Bangladesh has only won two test series since 2000.<br />
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Although the top teams in world cricket form a pretty tight clique, I love that the Associate nations are involved in the World Cup. I love that sometimes they scare the big boys, and I love that occasionally they defeat them. <a href="http://www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-world-cup/news/2015/features-and-specials/86022/dont-discount-the-associates-they-are-here-to-fight" target="_blank">This article</a> is a good read on the Associate's quest for an upset.<br />
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I love that players drawn from a combination of indigenous teams and
the ad-hoc competitions along the Pakistan border refugee camps can represent Afghanistan on cricket's biggest stage and compete against defending champions India with its population of 1 billion.<br />
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I love that United Arab Emirates can put together a team of expatriate Indians, Pakistanis and a few Emiratis who compete despite their religious and cultural differences.<br />
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I love that the Full Members are willing to risk their reputations because they know that including these "minnows" benefits the future of cricket as whole. (Strangely, the ICC <a href="http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/02/19/cricket-world-cup-minnows-maketh-tournament/" target="_blank">currently plans</a> to exclude minnows from the 2019 World Cup.) Smaller and weaker nations need motivation to improve and playing in major international tournaments provides that goal.<br />
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I'm not suggesting that Australia and Pakistan are taking the attitude John the Baptizer showed to Jesus when he said, "He must become greater; I must become less". (John 3:30) But they are honoring the spirit behind 1 Tim 4:12, "Don't let anyone look down on you because of your youth...".<br />
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Many churches invest a great deal of time and energy into helping teens learn and grow spiritually. I'm so glad they do. The next step is to provide opportunities for young adults to involve themselves in the kingdom work of the church. Many times, only the most active and extroverted young adults find their way into active ministry within a church because older more established members fill most of the positions.<br />
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Churches need to intentionally create space for young adults and new Christians to explore their giftedness and grow through involvement. Just as their participation in the World Cup will do wonders for the future of cricket in Afghanistan, even if they don't win a single match, churches encourage young Christians by inviting them to participate and learn skills in the process. Ultimately it makes the kingdom of God much stronger.<br />
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This development process may involve formal mentoring or internships. It may also require that churches recognise the skills and gifts of younger members and seek to match them with service opportunities. And of course, individuals can always just spend time with young Christians to encourage and guide them.Aussie Petehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307550192044555981noreply@blogger.com1