Category: Over The Hump

 

“I have brought You glory here on earth by completing the work that You gave me to do.” 

John 17:4

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HOW ARE YOU PLANNING YOUR LIFE?

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin

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Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

 

“Formerly Onesimus was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.”

Philemon 1:11-12

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MOVING FROM USELESS TO USEFUL

 

Two seminary students in New Orleans stopped at a local grocery store one evening while traveling. One of the seminary students was Don Wilton. While in the store, they noticed a young, needy couple with a baby dressed only in a diaper. The Spirit of God moved in the hearts of the two seminary students in a special way to open their wallets and give the young family all the money they had. The total was more than $200. With a gentle voice, Don spoke to the frightened man and said, “My friend, you don’t know who I am. However, I want you to know that my friend and I want to show you in a practical way how much God loves you. Because of what Jesus has done in our lives, we want to give you this small gift from the two of us.”

The man tearfully received the money. Don Wilton thought he would never see the man again. However, nearly a decade later, Dr. Wilton was teaching at the seminary. One of the new students recognized Dr. Wilton’s distinctive South African voice. It was the man from the grocery store! He told Dr. Wilton that their young family was desperate that night. So desperate, in fact, that they had driven from their home in Alabama to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge in New Orleans. They planned to take their baby with them but decided to feed her first, so she would at least die with a full stomach. That’s why they stopped at the store. However, they were deeply moved and encouraged by the kind words and financial gift. That one act of kindness set the man and his wife on a path to salvation in Jesus Christ and a call to full-time vocational ministry. That night, the man’s life was transformed from being “Useless to Useful.”

God’s providential hand saves lives. Onesimus was spiritually lost! He was the fugitive slave of his master, Philemon. Onesimus had robbed Philemon and fled to Rome, a large city where he could easily hide—or so he thought! However, providentially, Onesimus encountered Paul in a Roman prison where the apostle was in chains. Paul led Onesimus to faith in Jesus Christ, and his life was forever impacted and transformed from being “Useless to Useful.”

Listen closely: How about you? Have you ever felt useless? Have you ever had a sense that you have no real purpose or usefulness in life? If you have, you’re not alone. The story of Onesimus is a classic picture of one who tries running from a good and gracious God but instead runs right into His loving arms—just like the man in the grocery store. Through salvation, the fugitive sinner found grace, forgiveness, and freedom that are only found in a ‘right relationship’ with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Be encouraged. Wherever you are in life right now, God’s eye is on you! He knows your name. He knows your need, and He will use ‘whatever’ and ‘whoever’ to intersect your life right where you are. A genuine encounter with the living God will forever change your perspective, your relationships, and your future.

It will transform you from “Useless to Useful.”

Remember:

God has a plan. His plan is far greater than yours. He is writing your story. Don’t steal His pen!

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin

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Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

 

First of all, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because the [news about your faithfulness is being spread throughout the whole world.

Romans 1:8

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YOUR REPUTATION

 

Many years ago, a frozen pizza company was trying to figure out an advertising campaign to bring attention to their product.  They designed a series of humorous commercials where an individual was about to lose his life in some melodramatic fashion.  In each case, they were asked, “What do you want on your Tombstone?” – to which the answer was, “Pepperoni and Cheese, please.”  It was a risky ad since Americans don’t want to hear about death. The company was trying to be humorous with their new catchy name, “Tombstone Pizza Company.” 

 

That leads me to ask you the following question—when you die, what inscription would you like written on your tombstone?

 

Ruth Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, died in 2007 and had this chiseled on her tombstone:

“End of Construction—Thank You For Your Patience.”

 

I like that!  She didn’t pick a favorite Bible verse or a lofty quote from a famous leader. She humbled herself and admitted that her life had been “a work in progress” until she died.

 

Listen Closely:  Character is who you are; reputation is what others think you are.  In an age of the internet, texting, email and social media, what people think about you and what people say about your reputation as a follower of Jesus Christ can be spread quickly.  The reputation of the New Testament believers and their faithfulness spread like wildfire “throughout the whole world.”  Think about that for a moment.  Don’t miss that important detail.  No internet, no texting, no email and no social media, yet their “faithfulness spread throughout the whole world.”  Wow!  That is a godly reputation.

 

When people see you, what is their first thought?  What does your reputation say to them?  Do they immediately think, “Christ follower!” “Not ashamed about his or her faith in Christ!”  “Lives the life of a committed follower of Jesus Christ!”  Or do they not give those characteristics a second thought about you?  I encourage you to be bold.  Be fearless.  Be strong.  Do not be ashamed.  Stand firm and resolute in your faith.  Live the life that the Apostle Paul penned in Romans 1:16:

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Jesus Christ. For it is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”

 

Let those words be your reputation!

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin

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Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

 

As Jesus was starting out on His way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to Him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must [I do] to inherit eternal life?”  Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” Jesus told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” At this the man’s face fell, and [he went away sad], for he had many possessions.

Mark 10:17, 21-22

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BEING OVER DOING

 

Buying an airline ticket these days is very expensive, especially if you have to travel at the last minute. You feel as if the airlines want all your money—and your firstborn. For example, suppose I want to fly from Atlanta, Ga., to Dallas, Tex., but I find the cost is too high for my liking. So, I decide to create my own ticket. It looks just like the real thing. It has the correct airline, flight number, gate number, seat number, and departure time on it. In fact, I did everything correctly, but I created my own ticket. However, if I’m foolish enough to present the created ticket to the TSA agent to get through the TSA security checkpoint, it would be rejected as invalid. No amount of trying to persuade the TSA agent will help. I would be left out and likely thrown into jail. In a similar way…

This story in Mark 10 began beautifully. A fine young man, rich and well-educated, came to Jesus, bowed before Him, and asked a very important question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Don’t miss that! Most people came to Jesus to get something, such as healing or food for themselves or help for a friend or loved one. But not this man. This man was different. He was interested in spiritual matters. However, the story ended on a negative note, with the rich young man leaving “sad” by the response of Jesus. You see, this young man did everything right. He kept the law perfectly, and Jesus knew it. He prioritized “doing” over “being.” So Jesus cut to the heart. He knew this man’s crutch—and his crutch was his wealth, his riches, his possessions.

So what was the young man’s problem?

First, he loved his wealth more than he loved God. Possessing wealth is not wrong or sinful in and of itself. However, allowing wealth (or anything else) to stand in the way of complete surrender to God brings spiritual disaster.

Second, and even bigger, the young man misunderstood God’s way of salvation. He believed he was “good enough,” claiming he had always kept the commandments (doing). He wanted Jesus to tell him one more “good work” he could do that would guarantee him a place in heaven. This man was more concerned about “doing” than “being.” When Jesus told him to give up the one thing that was closest to his heart—his wealth—he could not do it. By that one act, the young man showed that he did not see himself as a sinner in need of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Listen closely: it’s been said that many people will miss heaven by 16 inches—the distance between their head and their heart. What’s most disappointing about this story is that the man walked away from Jesus “sad.” But why? Because, like countless others in our world today, the man refused God’s offer of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus alone. Jesus plus nothing! The man is never mentioned again in Scripture.

So, allow me to ask you, what is the one thing in your life that is holding you back from complete and total surrender to following Jesus? Is it your money, material possessions, job, position, or relationship? Or are you consumed with earning favor, acceptance, and approval by God for what you can “do” for Him? Don’t make that grave error. You will never be “good enough.” Always remember…

“Doing” for Jesus always flows out of “being” with Jesus.

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

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Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

 

The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” So I did as the Lord told me and found the potter working at his wheel.

Jeremiah 18:1-3

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THE POTTER AND THE CLAY

Most people today have never heard of Adelaide Pollard. However, in 1902, at the age of 40, Adelaide Pollard contemplated her situation. She felt, as many do at times in life, that she had reached a point where she was passionate about doing something yet was frustrated by the hurdle in her way. Adelaide sensed a call by God to begin missionary work in Africa; however, she became bitterly disappointed in her drive to raise funds for the needed trip. Through a series of events, Ms. Pollard attended a prayer meeting at a random church one evening, and it was there that an anonymous elderly woman prayed a prayer that germinated deep within Adelaide’s heart and soul, changing her life.

She went home and began writing out a prayer that went on to become a famous gospel hymn. Still today, in 2024, churches all across the world continue singing the hymn Adelaide Pollard wrote:

“Have Thine Own Way.”

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Jeremiah the prophet watched as the potter patiently formed the clay on the wheel. Obviously, he had a goal and purpose in mind for that piece of clay. But some of the clay was resistant and inflexible in the potter’s hands. Therefore, he cast it aside for a lesser purpose.

In a similar way, we are the clay, and God is the potter. He has a plan for each of our lives that is better than anything we have planned for ourselves. We have a choice as to whether we will yield to the will of God for our lives or resist it and become inflexible. Of course, we will have setbacks in life. We will face hardship and tragedy. We will encounter unexpected problems and heartache. However, we have a choice to become bitter or better.

Listen closely: Life is full of surprises. We all know people who had great promise but never reached their potential. Then there are others who did not seem to have much promise, yet God is powerfully using them today. What will you do with the life that God has given you? Will you conform to the will of God, or will you resist Him? Will you surrender to God’s plan and purpose for your life, or will you reject it? Will you say, “God, I want my own way,” or will you say, “God, have Thine own way”? I encourage you, do not be resistant and inflexible.

The choice is yours.

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

 

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

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Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Broken promises
are worse than rain clouds
    that don’t bring rain.

Proverbs 25:14 (CEV)

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THE DANGER OF EMPTY PROMISES

 

We were in the quarterfinals of the 13U tournament and on the verge of a major upset victory over a team who were favorites to win the whole thing. Our team was smaller, but we were gritty. We had threatened to take the lead earlier in the game, when the oppsing coach brought in the team’s closer to fend off our rally.

But, the rally continued, and we started thumping their hard-throwing righty. Seriously, the kid was throwing in the 80’s – which looked like 100 from only 54 feet away! Our guys didn’t flinch, and we started smoking singles and doubles in the gaps. Before we knew it, we had a one-run lead!

We were the visiting team, and with only a few minutes left in the game, it was looking like we’d pull off the upset if we could hold them on defense. We got the first out quickly on a weak grounder to third. The next batter struck out. Two down! The next batter hit a hard grounder up the middle, but our second baseman was shaded in that direction, and made the stop. I could taste victory as he made the throw to first base. But, instead of taking his time, he rushed the throw and didn’t shuffle his feet and step towards the target. The result was a tough in-between hop that handcuffed the first baseman, who was unable to hang on to it. Safe.

Instead of a huge win, the inning continued. To make a long story short, that runner stole second, then scored on a single to tie the game. We managed to get out of the inning without any further damage, and we were headed for extra innings. I was hot.

As the second baseman came off the field, I got in his face and said, “You’re sitting next inning!”

“But Coach,” he replied, “you have always said that you’d never take us out of a game if we made a physical error. Only if we kept making mental mistakes!”

I was stopped cold. He was right, and I had a choice to make. I could allow my emotions to get the best of me and remove him from the game. Or, I could do the right thing and own up to what I had always told my players.

Honestly, I believe the Holy Spirit intervened here. It was like I completely came to my senses and realized what could happen if I chose to take him out of the game.

So, instead of using my authority to put him in his place, I swallowed hard and said, “You’re right. I did say that, and I’m sorry. You’re still in the game.”

We ended up losing 7-6 in extra innings. It hurt to lose, especially when we had the opportunity to claim the victory. But, the hurt could have been far worse if I had followed through with taking the player out of the game. I would have broken my word – not only to him, but to the entire team! The damage would have been far more catastrophic than a painful and disappointing loss.

I’m so glad Alex (the second baseman) was bold enough to speak out! It would have been easy to just accept the punishment of making an error and not confronting the coach and his broken promise.

Coaches (and parents) – please heed this warning! Eyes are on you, and ears are listening! Treat your words seriously, and have the integrity to live up to the promises you make. It’s much more than a baseball game that is at stake!

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C.A. Phillips has served on staff at NorthStar Church since 2004, and has more than 35 years of baseball experience as a player, coach, and umpire. He and his wife, Amy, have two adult sons and live in Kennesaw with their German Shepherd, Abby.

⁷ People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, ⁸ but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. ¹⁰ And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

James 3:7-10 (NLT)

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WHAT DOES THAT CROSS MEAN, REALLY?

 

I was umpiring a Championship game for the 18U Division at a local park last week, when I noticed that several players on one of the teams had drawn crosses on their cheeks in eye black. I often see eye black used for a variety of facial graphics, including one kid they called “Robin,” who had so much of it painted on around his eyes that it looked like he was wearing a mask. Most of the time with these teens, it’s intended to make them look fierce and intimidating – like war paint. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see the crosses. 

That is, until it became evident that the team was not going to win the game after unraveling on the mound and in the field late in the game. It was then that I heard these same kids – ones wearing the cross of Christ on their cheeks – begin to deride teammates with profanity that would make a sailor blush. One player screamed, “You’re so (bleeping) awful!” to his left fielder after that player booted a ball. A different player with the cross-cheeks exclaimed an F-bomb after grounding out to lead off the next inning.

Honestly, I’d be upset at the kids for talking this way whether or not they had crosses painted on. But, the cross made it worse. I actually felt a bit of sadness for the other kids who didn’t have crosses painted on. Who knows, they could know Jesus. But, for those who don’t – what do you think their collective impression of these self-proclaimed “Christians” was? 

Whether you paint eye black on your face, have a Jesus fish on your car, have a WWJD bracelet on your wrist, or wear a necklace with a cross pendant, you should know that people do pay attention! I’m not saying you won’t mess up – we all will. But, we’ve got to stop wearing the cross as a fashion statement or just as a label that we’re “saved.” When we identify with Christ, we need to try to reflect his image in ALL areas of our lives: our speech, our attitude, our behavior, our work ethic, and especially our heart for lost people who need Jesus!

Otherwise, just leave the eye black in your bag.

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C.A. Phillips has served on staff at NorthStar Church since 2004, and has more than 35 years of baseball experience as a player, coach, and umpire. He and his wife, Amy, have two adult sons and live in Kennesaw with their German Shepherd, Abby.

There is more hope for a fool
than for someone who speaks
    without thinking.

Proverbs 29:20 (CEV)

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SHIPS ARE SINKING

 

I’m sure you’ve been there: you’re uttering words, and while they are escaping from your lips, you realize it’s too late – you can’t un-say them.

Sometimes, this can just be a simple slip of the tongue – a goof. Everyone makes mistakes, after all. Other times, it can be a tad more painful – both for you and the recipient. In fact, I vividly recall a time in my more ignorant days in my early 30’s. I was at church and was greeting at a door outside the main building. I noticed a woman walking towards me, and made eye contact with her. I said hello, then uttered the dumbest, most dangerous question a man could ever ask a woman: “Are you expecting?” (I know, I know – I can’t believe it either).

And, then, nearly the worst reply fathomable followed: “No. I had a baby a few weeks ago.”

So, there WAS a baby…but that was little solace to my crushed psyche. 

I don’t believe the kind woman held it against me, but it’s something I’ve never forgotten – and I was able to learn a powerful lesson that day: don’t ever ask women questions! Or perhaps a greater lesson: Just smile and keep your mouth closed!

There’s a famous saying: Loose Lips Sink Ships. And, if this was literal, ships would be sinking all around us. 

About 2000 years ago, James (Jesus’ step-brother) stated it plainly:

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, ⁸ but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8 (NLT)

No one can tame the tongue. No one!

As a youth baseball umpire, I can attest to this. I spend much of my week hearing coaches, parents, and players saying some of the most spiteful, senseless, inconsiderate words you can imagine. And, only part of the time those are directed at me! 

So, if this is a universal struggle, what’s the antidote? In short, we have to get our hearts right.

Read what the Apostle Luke had to say on the subject:

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 (NLT)

If you’re heart is set on the things of this world, you’re likely to talk like the world. Like they say, “Trash in, trash out.”

But, if you set your heart on Jesus, it will be far more difficult to follow the pattern set by society. When you follow his lead, you’ll look AND sound different.

And, that will be a breath of fresh air for anyone near you. People are desperate for love and encouragement. Let’s choose our words wisely. And, if all else fails, choose silence and a smile.

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C.A. Phillips has served on staff at NorthStar Church since 2004, and has more than 35 years of baseball experience as a player, coach, and umpire. He and his wife, Amy, have two adult sons and live in Kennesaw with their German Shepherd, Abby.

Hard work is worthwhile,
but empty talk will make you poor.

Proverbs 14:23 (CEV)

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THE VALUE OF HARD WORK

 

I spend a fair amount of my spare time on the baseball field as an umpire these days. In now my sixth year as “Blue,” I have called nearly 700 games, the vast majority of them for boys between ages 9-18. In having played the game for 15 years, coaching it for another 15 years, and now umpiring for six more, it is easy to determine during pre-game warm-ups who has been preparing for the game, and who hasn’t.

With travel baseball now being so prevalent – and especially at the younger age groups, it’s rare to see “good baseball” at the recreational level. By age 9, nearly all the kids with talent have moved away from the rec level. With the better players moving on, that also means their parents – and subsequently, the better coaches – are not there to help kids improve their skills. After all, improving in anything takes TIME. And, from what I am seeing most evenings, youth baseball players are not devoting extra time to becoming the best they could be.

I was working a 14U game last week at a local park. I told my partner, who was working behind the plate, that the Home team was likely to get run-ruled based on seeing them just walking out onto the field. Players had no pep in their step, the coach was disorganized, and several of their jerseys were untucked and hats were askew. It was evident these kids hat little confidence, and it showed. Further, it was clear they had not put much time into improving their skills on the field. Often times, our outward appearance is a reflection of how we see ourselves – and this was no exception.

The visiting team scored seven runs in the top of the first inning. They scored another six runs in the second inning. As we began the third inning, the score was 13-7. Thirty minutes into the top of the third, the score was 20-7, and the Home team had failed to record an out! They had changed pitchers twice, and my partner expanded his strike zone in hopes of helping “move the game along.” To no avail. Exasperated, he called timeout, and walked out to confer with me.

“What’s going on here?!?!” he lamented. “How much time is left in the game?”

“Time expired ten minutes ago,” I replied. “I’m not sure why we’re still out here. The Home team clearly doesn’t want to be here, and they can’t get anybody out.”

“Let’s talk to the coaches and see what they want to do,” he said.

So, we called the coach for each team over, bluntly shared what our feelings were about the game, and asked if they wanted to continue. I explained that there was a “drop dead” time when the game would have to end – and that was 12 minutes away.

“Well, let’s play it out,” the Home coach said – much to our dismay, as well as every other spectator!

Whether it’s your sport, your career, your academics, your yard work, or your relationships – HARD WORK is important! Not only that, it is an obvious reflection of your character to others who are watching. There are numerous examples in scripture of people who failed to work hard, who ended up regretting their slothfulness. 

Don’t be lazy. Prioritize hard work, and reap the rewards!

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C.A. Phillips has served on staff at NorthStar Church since 2004, and has more than 35 years of baseball experience as a player, coach, and umpire. He and his wife, Amy, have two adult sons and live in Kennesaw with their German Shepherd, Abby.

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)

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I read a fascinating article by David Owen a while back in Golf Digest. Through some thorough research, and a little bit of speculation, Owen shares how the world’s most famous golf course would have differed if things had panned out the way its founders planned from the very beginning. I’m referring to Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters (A Tradition Like No Other – only uttered in Jim Nance’s silky smooth voice). However, as Owen points out, the very name of the club – and the tournament it hosts – almost certainly wouldn’t be what we know and have the privilege of experiencing today.

 

Here are just a few highlights from Owen’s story:

• Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, the founders of the club, originally wanted to call it Georgia National, not Augusta National.
• They wanted two 18-hole golf courses, one for men and one for women.
• There were lots earmarked throughout the development for residences overlooking the course.
• Course designer Alister MacKenzie wanted a 90-yard 19^th hole to be located between the 18^th green and the No. 1 tee – primarily to give the loser of a golf match an opportunity to win his money back.

We’d all agree that Augusta National Golf Club has done quite well for itself over the last century. In fact, you could say it has far surpassed what the original founders envisioned, despite some very early setbacks which threatened its viability. What it has become could never have been designed or planned for. As Garth Brooks sings, “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.”

Sometimes we get so upset when our plans don’t work out the way we foresee them materializing. This leads us to question God, question ourselves, get frustrated, and give up. But God’s will is not something to be trifled with. His plans will be carried out, and they are always for our benefit. You and I are His children if we have put our faith in Him. Because we belong to Him, we are told He will take care of us. As Matthew wrote,

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So, if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:9-11 (NLT)

 

In the moment, we don’t see the detour as a gift. We see it as “less than” whatever we had in mind. But thankfully, God knows more than we do. And sometimes the “Georgia National” we spent all those years preparing for, God disrupts and redesigns into our own “Augusta National.”

 

Now, about those Masters tickets…

 

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C.A. Phillips has served on staff at NorthStar Church since 2004, and has more than 35 years of baseball experience as a player, coach, and umpire. He and his wife, Amy, have two adult sons and live in Kennesaw with their German Shepherd, Abby.