Energetic encourager and passionate sharer of the Word are just a couple of phrases that describe Tina Hunt. Trained as a pastor and counselor, Tina weaves her insights into down to earth devotions and articles. She brings that same energy to her speaking and teaching—but that’s not hard when you’re an ESFP with ADD!
Tina has had devotions published online at ChristianDevotions.us, InspireAFire.com, and Pearls of Promise Ministry. You can also read her thoughts on her blog, www.PotOfManna.wordpress.com, and on the website for writers, AlmostAnAuthor.com—her column there is “Truth Be Told.”
Currently serving as pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Ashland, Ohio, Tina also is very active in many ways with Word Weavers International and hanging out with her grandson.
I just shook my head. I’m not sure about how God feels about the “All American Game,” but I do see some parallels between the game and how he feels about striking out.
In baseball, the rule is three strikes and you’re out: out of the inning, but not the game. The batter heads back to the dugout where he sits, listening to the coach, and taking correction before he’s back on the field or back at bat.
At the Last Supper, Peter declared his zealous love and commitment to Jesus. Jesus responded by telling Peter he would betray him three times before the rooster crowed in the morning. And it happened just like Jesus said.
But Peter wasn’t out of the game. Instead, Jesus turned him into a franchise player. A franchise player is known for his abilities, both on and off the field. They aren’t perfect, but good for the team. Owners and managers often build the entire team around them.
The Bible is full of players who struck out, but weren’t out of the game.
Moses committed murder, yet God chose him to lead his people to the Promised Land.
David committed adultery and murder, but remained king and was known as a man after God’s own heart.
Paul to crush the growing Christian faith by killing believers, God transformed him from being persecutor of the church to church planter.
After the resurrection, Jesus met with Peter and reminded him of his calling. “Feed my sheep.” All Peter could see was his three strikes. He returned to fishing, thinking he took himself out of the game, but Jesus wouldn’t let him off that easy. Jesus sought Peter out and invited him back in the game.
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
John 21:15-17
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?*" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said. A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.
OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
NLT
Yogi Berra, baseball legend and comedic philosopher, put it wisely, “It ain’t over, till it’s over.”
When you swing and miss in your spiritual journey, you may be out of the inning, but not out of the game. Don’t quit. There’s a game to be won. And while God was in the beginning, he is also at the celebration in the end!
