April 2: PLAY BALL

Thousands have been waiting all winter to hear the cry “Play Ball”. Some were so anxious they went south or west to see their favorite Major League team practice. Many still refer to baseball as the “national pastime”. I don’t know if that’s true or not but a lot of people are getting rich by being involved in this national pastime.
What do you think is our national pastime? A pastime is something that amuses or diverts our attention from the serious or difficult. On the other hand, baseball has been used as an example of spiritual responsibility. Each person has his turn at bat because each is accountable to God. “It is appointed for every person to die and after that comes judgement.” (Hebrews 9:27 NIV)
First base is being “born again”, experiencing a spiritual birth. Jesus said “You must be born again.” (John 3:3) First base is most important if you want to stay in the game with God.
Second base is baptism as a believer and becoming a member of the Body of Christ. Many would like to take a short-cut and go directly to baptism. Many take their children to be baptized, bypassing first base. All must remember: you can’t go to second base until you pass by first base, that’s the rule. Matthew 28:18 says “Make them disciples (first) and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (second)
Third base is living the Christian life and sharing the good news with everyone you can as often as you can. “People will know you are my disciples when you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
Leaving third base and going home is dying and going to Heaven to be with God. Hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord”, (Matthew 25:21) will signal the end of the ball game.
Anyone ready to “play ball” with God? Today would be a good day to join the game.

“Loving Father, the Game of life comes at us so quickly, sometimes while we
are busy with other games and interests. Thanks for inviting us to play. Amen”