Covering all the Bases

Our grandson, David, is playing t-ball for the first time.  The game is more than just looking cute and handsome in the uniform.  There is a lot to remember and learn during these days of practices and games.  The ball players need to know where to stand, how to hit, what to do when contact with the ball occurs, and how and when to advance bases.  To advance, the runners must touch every base, in the proper order, to score.  Amidst all the other noises, they are learning the importance of knowing and listening for their coach’s voice to hear instruction.  Then there is another level of learning when their team takes the field.  They need to catch or chase the ball, know where to throw it, and be aware of where the runners are at all times.  

Mastering t-ball will not happen overnight or with just a lesson or two.  It is important to have a teachable and willing spirit.  The more the boys practice the techniques correctly and become more aware of where to throw the ball, the better chances they have to improve their abilities to play.  It also helps for the kids to have a coach, who is patient, can teach, and is knowledgeable about the game.  These days are also ones of learning from defeat and winning graciously.

God knew that we would continually need to learn and be instructed on how to live in the game of life.   We have the Bible as our instruction book and His Holy Spirit to teach and guide us along the way.  With all the busyness and noise around us, it is vital that we learn to identify and listen to His voice and respond in obedience.  Just like athletes need to wear protective equipment, we, too, need to make sure we dress in God's protective armor every day.  Some days God calls us to be the coaches who encourage, inspire, and teach.  Other times we need to be the players who soak up the instruction and information and then put it into practice.  God has given all believers the responsibility and opportunity to share what we’ve experienced and learned from and about Him with others and to encourage them on their journey.    

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

^“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

Deuteronomy 11:18-21

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Psalm 32:8

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Colossians 3:16

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

2 Thessalonians 2:15

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17