Category: Over The Hump

As a dog returns to its vomit,
    so a fool repeats his foolishness.

Proverbs 26:11 (NLT)

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If you’ve every failed at anything in life, you’ve likely heard the old adages “Failure is life’s greatest teacher,” or “Every failure is a stepping stone to success.” Don’t get me wrong – these sound like fantastic quotes that lead the one failing to a bright future. But, they are incomplete statements. 

 

What happens when a team is down at halftime? A team with a good coach will make adjustments, causing the opponent to find other ways to create havoc. The best teams will almost always respond to adversity and tighten the gap. They might not always win the game, but by studying the film and changing the game plan or scheme, they put themselves in a far better situation to overcome the deficit.

Failure certainly paves the way for learning opportunities, but not everyone takes advantage of the chances failure affords to grow and improve. We’ve all witnessed others who repeatedly make the same mistakes – whether it’s in a sport, or perhaps in life. Maybe you’ve been there yourself. If you find history repeating itself in a certain area of failure, it’s almost certainly because you haven’t taken the time to truly learn from your mistakes.

Failure alone teaches nothing – it only demonstrates that we’re prone to failure as humans. That can be a sobering reality if you’ve never failed before. But, it’s focused reflection on failure that will open our minds and allow us to learn and grow from it. When we take the time to analyze what went wrong and why it went wrong, we can then change our actions and behaviors and set ourselves up for future victories.

Otherwise, we’ll be just like the dog mentioned in Proverbs 26:11, looking for a choice meal, but ultimately returning to its own vomit.

While failure is painful, it’s not final – unless you allow it to be. Embrace it, reflect on it, and learn from it. And, that’s when you’ll be better for it.

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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.

 

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

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HOPE BEYOND ADVERSITY

A young man was hired to work in a wood sawing workshop where he spent many years of his life.  When he reached the age of 40, he became very significant in the workshop where he had been employed for many years.  Then one day he was shocked when his boss informed him that due to cut backs he was being terminated.  At that moment the man left his place of employment with no intent, no plan, and no hope.  He closed the door to the only occupation he knew and had no idea what he would do for work. 

 

That afternoon, he went home and told his wife what happened.  After discussing it over with her and receiving her blessing, he decided to mortgage their home and take out a small loan to begin a career in home building.  His first project was to build two small houses.  Weeks turned into months, and months turned into years.  After dedication, effort, patience and hard work, five years later the man became a millionaire.  His name?  Wallace Johnson, who went on to start and build the Holiday Inn hotel brand, and countless hospitals around the world. 

 

In his diary, Wallace Johnson wrote:  “If I knew where the man lived who terminated me, I would visit him and thank him deeply for what he did.  When this difficult adversity happened in my life, I was hurt and did not understand why; however, now I understand that God wanted to close that door, to open a better path for me and my family.”

 

Listen Closely:  Adversity can come as the result of choices we make, but it can also come in the form of hardships that happen to us.  What kind of adversity have you been going through?  Maybe you lost a job, a child, a loved one, a marriage.  Maybe a health crisis.  Maybe you’re starting a new job or career, raising a child, committing to marriage.  Maybe you don’t have enough money to pay your bills, or you found out that you can’t bear children.  Whatever it may be, remember, adversity will try its best to take you out.  However, if you allow God to lead you ‘through’ your adversity, you will emerge on the other side a more resilient person.   Never think that any adversity or failure in your life as the end.  It isn’t!  God is sovereign.  There are no “oops” with God.  Trust Him!  Never forget:  When you’re looking in the ‘right’ direction, you won’t take the wrong turn.  Fix your eyes on Jesus, and allow Him to direct your path.  There is hope beyond adversity. 

 

Just ask Wallace Johnson.

 

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.

God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, then prophesy whenever you can—as often as your faith is strong enough to receive a message from God. ⁷ If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. ⁸ If you are a preacher, see to it that your sermons are strong and helpful. If God has given you money, be generous in helping others with it. If God has given you administrative ability and put you in charge of the work of others, take the responsibility seriously. Those who offer comfort to the sorrowing should do so with Christian cheer.

Romans 12:6-8 (TLB)

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I stood in utter dismay as the scene unfolded before me. The home team – who was up at one point in the game 4-0, was now trailing 7-4. Why was I so crestfallen, you might ask. It was at this point the pitcher had completely lost any ability to throw a strike. In fact, he had already hit two batters and walked a couple more. I was in the field as an umpire, witnessing this monumental collapse. Unfortunately, the party had just begun.

The runners were moving from station-to-station with each base-on-balls awarded. The game had slowed down to a snail’s pace – and it was getting cold! Instead of rescuing the pitcher (as well as all the on-lookers subjected to this catastrophe) the pitching coach instead barked out at the poor kid on the hill, “You need to find a way to get an out, because nobody else is coming out there. You’re it!”

And, 10 runs later, the coach had kept his word. Mercifully, at 17-4, the final out in the top of the third inning was recorded. The bad news was that the home team still had an at-bat, and the game would continue for another 25 minutes. For curious minds, after three complete innings and 2 hours, 22 minutes, the final score was 17-7.

I’m all for giving kids opportunities – to pitch, catch, play a different position. But, there’s a time and a place – and a window of opportunity – that is appropriate for this. While a coach might be teaching a player to develop fortitude and perseverance, he might be doing it at the expense of his entire team losing heart – and the game! For instance, if the coach had pulled the pitcher when the score was 7-4, he could have taken that opportunity to encourage him and keep him motivated to go out there again the next time with an idea of how to overcome some of his mental and mechanical deficiencies. And, he could have kept the rest of the team in the game. Instead, that pitcher is going to remember giving up 13 runs that inning, and the team is not likely to forget it either!

In Romans 6, Paul isn’t writing about baseball, but his words can apply to practically anything that involves a team setting where each person has skills in certain areas. We each have different abilities, passions, and interests. We all have strengths and weaknesses. If you put an accountant in the role of Communications Director, you might have a problem. Likewise, if you put someone in Operations on your Sales team, you might find they’d prefer to work behind the scenes and not talk to people all day long.

The beauty of any effective team is that it can work together as a unit while individuals contribute in ways they were designed and educated to help! Leaving someone in a role they struggle in causes the entire organization to suffer.

So, the next time you allow someone to sit in a different seat on the bus, you should plan to sit nearby. First, you can be an encourager to that person; but, you can also shift things around to ensure that person – and the team – are at their very best!

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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.

 

“An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control.”

Proverbs 5:22-23

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AVOIDING A LIFE OF EROSION

I don’t remember very much about high school.  It’s been a minute.  However, one thing I remember very distinctly was an experiment my science teacher performed.  I watched the slow death of a frog in an oversized beaker of cool water. Below the beaker he moved a Bunsen burner with a low flame so that the water heated very slowly.  In fact, the temperature rose so gradually that the frog was never aware of the change.  After a period of time the frog was dead . . . boiled to death.  The change occurred so slowly that the frog never tried to jump out of the water.  Little did I know I learned a profound principle that day in class.  What principle you ask? 

 

Erosion! 

 

What causes this spiritual stagnation and erosion? The answer is often conformity to the world’s methods and values, and compromise with sin. The process of erosion begins in the mind when we allow our thoughts, attitudes, and desires be shaped by our culture. Before long, we begin to conform to the godless and sinful behaviors around us.  Slowly, one rationalization leads to another, which leads to another, which triggers a series of equally damaging alterations in a life that was once stable, strong, committed and reliable.  No one ever wakes up in the morning and says, “I think I’ll commit adultery today” or “I think I will abuse my child this morning.”  It never happens that way.  It happens ever so slowly.  One compromise after another after another after another—and before you know it, you’re living a life of erosion and in a spiritual far country that you never intended living in.  

 

Listen Closely:  God’s word says that sin is enjoyable for a season.  Then payment is due!

 

Never forget:  Sin will take you father than you want to go and keep you longer than you want to stay.  And, it’ll charge you more than you are willing to pay.  Say “No!”  Flee evil and the very appearance of it.  Stay in God’s Word daily.  Keep yourself surrounded with a godly accountability partner that will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.  Stay out of spiritually unhealthy environments.  Lock eyes with Jesus every day and walk towards Him. You’ll be glad where you wind up at the end of the day.  

 

Avoid a life of erosion.  

 

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.

 

“But it happened after a while that the brook dried up”…

1 Kings 17:7

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WHEN THE BROOK DRIES UP

Many years ago I was sitting along side a small brook watching the water gently flow over the rocks, down stream. The brook had a steady flow of water with no end in sight. Then it happened, some weeks later that same flowing brook had no water at all. What once was a thriving brook was now parched, dry and barren.

In a similar way, that same experience happened to the Prophet Elijah. God told him to go east to the Brook of Cherith and wait for instructions. God would provide for his physical nourishment morning and evening, while Elijah could drink water from the brook. Then one day it happened: the brook dried up! It became dry, parched and barren. No more water to drink. What now?

Have you ever been there in life? Things are clicking along well, you’re cruising through life, everything trending in the right direction—then your brook dries up—a job loss, furlough, health test, divorce, death of a spouse or death of a child. What do you do? How do you respond? What is important to remember during these dry and barren times of life?

When “the brook dries up” it is important to remember:

1) God has not forgotten you! When your Brook dries up, rest assured that God has not forgotten about you. He knows exactly what you’re facing and He knows what you’re enduring. As His child, nothing touches your life unless it is sifted through His hands first.

Read what God said through the Prophet Isaiah: “I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed your name on the palms of My hands.”— Isaiah 49:15-16

God loves His children and He has not forgotten you. You are forever on His mind and His eye is continually on you. Rest in that truth.

2) Wait for God to show you the next step! “Waiting and America” don’t go hand in hand. We live in a culture where everything is instant. We don’t like to wait for anything. We have instant coffee, milk, breakfast, grits, oatmeal, etc…the list is endless of things that bring instant gratification. Listen closely: God doesn’t work like a microwave; rather, He works like a crockpot. He works in His timing and on His calendar, not ours. And it generally requires waiting. Easy to say, hard to do.

Yes, when the Brook dries up we must wait. Don’t run ahead of God. Don’t do it your own way. Patience is vital. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and wait for His direction as you take the necessary action steps, plans and preparations.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us of this.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”

I’m not sure where you are in life or if your brook has dried up. However, I do know that God hasn’t forgotten you and He desires that you wait patiently on Him as He moves pieces into place—for your good and for His glory.

 

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.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ²⁴ Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)

 

Earlier this week Anthony Rendon, third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, made some waves with an exchange he had with a member of the media. In the interview, Rendon is asked if the game of baseball is a top priority in his life.

“It’s never been a top priority for me,” he replied. “This is a job. So, I do this to make a living. My faith, my family, come first before this job. So, if those things (job) come before it (faith and family), I’m leaving.”

The same member of the media then asks Rendon if baseball is a priority. Rendon answers, “Oh, it’s a priority for sure. It’s my job. I’m here, aren’t I? I don’t want to talk to you guys at 7 in the morning, or whatever time it is.”

Reporter: “So, do you, like, want to be here playing baseball?”

Rendon: “I have answered your question. So, why do you want to keep picking at it?”

As you can see (and hear) in watching the exchange, it becomes a bit uncomfortable. And, as much as I appreciate Rendon’s answers to the questions, I don’t blame the reporter for pushing in on him a bit.

Several hours after this video aired on TikTok, the MLB Network show, MLB Tonight, showed this exchange and then began to analyze it from a number of angles. They discussed the fact that Rendon has only played in 128 games over the past three seasons (approx. 26 percent of all games). Additionally, Rendon has batted only .235 over that stretch, nearly 50 points lower than his career average. Compounding those abysmal numbers is the fact the Angels are paying him $38M/ year as a part of his 7-year/ $245M contract.

One of the analysts on the show, Dan O’Dowd, former General Manager for the Colorado Rockies for 15 years, commented that if faith and family are the priorities for someone, then all the more reason those same priorities should be reflected in how that person should approach their job, and the amount of heart and passion they put into it.

Essentially, if faith is central to who you are, then that same faith should drive all you do – how you treat others, your personal integrity, your language, your attitude, and yes – how you approach your job. Even if you hate your job, you should work in such a way that people can see you have joy in your life, and that you do it for a much greater reason than a paycheck.

I’m sure Rendon does have his priorities in order, and it’s not my place to question them. But, it does provide a great reminder for each of us, when it comes to making sure our faith and our work ethic are in alignment. Just as Paul wrote in Colossians, let’s be sure to work as if unto the Lord – not men – because it is Christ we are serving!

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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.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

 

One thing I learned early in my “second career” as a youth baseball umpire was that I needed to study the rules of the game. First, I want to avoid looking foolish. Second, I want to be a step ahead of the coaches who come out to challenge a call on the field.

Most of the time – believe it or not – youth baseball coaches simply do not know the rules. From time to time, they will run out onto the field, flailing their arms and expressing their dismay at something that didn’t go their way. First, they should always ask for “time” before coming onto the field. And, once they are granted “time,” they should handle themselves respectfully. But, this doesn’t always happen, of course.

When a coach starts to disagree and tell me what he thinks, I will often reply by saying, “Do you have a question for me? Because if you just want to disagree with me, you just need to go back to the dugout. But, if you have a question, I will do my best to answer it.”

Normally, they come to their senses and see that I am actually trying to help them. Then they’ll ask a question, often about the rules of the game. The majority of the time, when I explain the rule, they’ll humbly state, “Oh. I didn’t know that was the rule” (I don’t know EVERY rule – but I try to learn as much as I can – there’s some crazy things that happen in a baseball game from time to time).

I’ve learned that I can approach the game of baseball – as an umpire – with more confidence, because I have read the Official Rule Book. Reading the book gives clarity and a ton of insight as to why and how certain rules have been written through the years.

Similarly, when we read God’s Book, we can experience clarity, direction, and peace of mind as we encounter the stuff of this life. Conversely, if I don’t consistently dive into God’s Word, I am depriving myself of heavenly insights from our loving Father. How can I possibly navigate my marriage, job, relationships, finances, temptations – if I don’t have Biblical wisdom tucked away in my heart?

Do yourself a huge favor and make time daily – even if for 5-10 minutes – to soak in Scripture as a part of your faith journey. You’ll never know how much you – and others – can benefit from you syncing up your heart with God’s until you make it your first priority each day.

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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.

 

“I have brought You glory on the earth, by completing the work which You have given Me to do.”

John 17:4

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Ordinary to Extraordinary

 

Never underestimate an ordinary life. One who isn’t successful in the worlds eye—A shoe salesmen, a homemaker, a barber, a restaurant server, a grocery store clerk—God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary work in this world. Take for instance the following story of Edward Kimball. Quite possibly, you’re asking yourself at this moment, who in the heck is Edward Kimball? Allow me to explain.

 

Edward Kimball was a dry goods salesman in Boston. A simple ordinary man. However, every Sunday morning at church, Kimball taught a Sunday School class to a group of young teenage boys. He had a particular burden for one of these young men. So one day, Kimball mustered up the courage to reach the young man at his work. He was nervous and scared. He paced back and forth before entering the store where the young man worked. Placing his hand on the young mans shoulder, Kimball shared the gospel message of Jesus Christ with the young man. However, Kimball left the young man’s work thinking he botched his mission.

 

Little did Kimball know, later that night, this young boy would personally invite Christ into his life, and went on to become one of the greatest evangelists. His name was D.L. Moody. On June 17, 1873 D.L. Moody arrived in Liverpool, England to conduct a series of evangelistic crusades. A struggling young minister who was in the audience was so influenced by Moody’s message that his life and ministry was impacted and transformed. His name was J. Wilbur Chapman.

 

Wilbur Chapman went on to become a powerful traveling evangelist in the early 1900’s. He came in contact with a retired professional baseball player, and under Chapman’s mentoring, Billy Sunday went on to become one of the greatest evangelists of his time in American history.

 

Over time, Billy Sunday’s travels led him to Charlotte, N.C. where he held a campaign speaking to thousands. A group of businessmen who were in the audience became followers of Jesus Christ and began a prayer group that would impact not only their lives, but their local community in Charlotte. In October 1934, this group of local businessmen invited an evangelist who’s name was Mordecai Ham to hold a crusade in the local area. On October 8, Mordecai Ham was discouraged, and he wrote a prayer to God on the stationery at his Charlotte, N.C. hotel: “Lord, give us a revival here. … Pour out thy Spirit tomorrow.”

 

On October 9, 1934 his prayer was answered, as a young teenage boy from Central High School went to hear Mordecai Ham. That night, he gave his life to become a follower of Jesus Christ. That young boy’s name was Billy Graham—who went on to become the greatest evangelist in American history and around the world.

 

The faithful obedience of Edward Kimball, a simple ordinary dry foods salesman in Boston, led to countless lives being impacted and changed for eternity all around the world. One life touching another. Edward Kimball > D.L. Moody > J. Wilbur Chapman > Billy Sunday > Local business leaders in Charlotte, NC > Mordecai Ham > Billy Graham.

 

God takes ordinary people and does extraordinary things in them and through them. He doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. I encourage you today to never underestimate God’s ability to use you in the life of others. All He is looking for is willing heart to say “I have brought You glory on the earth by completing the work which You have given me to do.”

 

Live your life with the end in mind. You won’t regret it!

 

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.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9

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Give It Your All – People Are Watching

 

If you’re an athlete or coach it should be in your nature to compete on the field of competition. If you don’t want to compete then something is wrong and you probably need to get out of the game you love.

 

The apostle Paul gives us an athletic picture and illustration. Look at what he says: “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.”

 

Paul is reminding us to maintain “self-control” in our daily walk with the Lord. We should be guarding our witness and examining our own personal behavior closely. We need to be sensitive to our conscience when it condemns us for wrong doing.

 

Then Paul tells us how to do that. Listen to what he says: “But I discipline my body and make it my slave.”

 

Paul reminds us to make discipline an utmost priority and that we need to discipline our bodies in such a way that we make it “our slave.” We place a guard over what we see. What we do. What we say. Where we go.

 

It is a daily grind, a fight, a competition if you will to beat your fleshly mortal body into submission to the obedience of Christ, pleasing only an audience of One. And why do we do this? So that we don’t become “disqualified” by losing our influence, our impact on others, and forfeit leaving a spiritual legacy in life that will long out live us when we are gone. What a tragedy that would be.

 

Compete! Be Disciplined! Don’t give in! Fight! Our witness, influence, impact and legacy are at stake and demands that we do.

 

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.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9

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Being a Friend

Having friends are important. However, I believe being a friend is even more important. We go through life thinking we have countless friends, but do we really? I would venture to say that most people have many acquaintances, but not many true, authentic friends—especially during the storms of life.

 

A couple years ago I had a conversation with my good friend, Ralph Reyes. Ralph has been a MLB scout with the Los Angeles Angels for many years. While chatting by phone, Ralph said he was making a three-hour drive north from Miami to have a late breakfast with his friend who is struggling through his own personal life storm. He is in need of a friend he can talk to and who will listen. I was quickly reminded: to have friends we must be a friend.

 

Ralph then made this important statement;  “As a baseball scout, we don’t think twice about driving three or four hours to evaluate a player who turns out not to be a prospect. Then get back in the car, drive back home, only to do it all over again the very next day. Why wouldn’t we do the same thing for our friend who is in need?”

 

My friend Ralph—he gets it! Jesus reminds us in the verse above about the value of being a friend. He reminds us that a “true friend sticks by you like family.” They don’t just give a wink, or a nod, or a pat on the back, or a “hang in there, I’ll say a prayer for you” vote of confidence. The cost of true friendship requires action and is willing to be interrupted in order to serve the needs of their friend. Jesus goes as far as reminding us that a true friend will lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). That is a friendship that knows no boundaries.

 

I am not sure what you are struggling with in your life today. However, we all need a trusted friend, and we all need to be a trusted friend. When the storm clouds gather, we cherish those people who we know we can turn to, who will always be there with a hug, a kind word, a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on if we need it. May I remind you today there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother, and that friend is Jesus Christ. Lean into Him today—and then be that same kind of friend to others who are hurting, struggling and in need of hope and encouragement as they endure their storm in 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.