Category: Over The Hump

 

“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.

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

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The Priority of Planning

Planning in life is vitally important. Those who go through life “winging it” will run into many challenges, disappointments, discouragements and defeats. Wars are planned, weddings are planned, funerals are planned, retirements are planned, vacations are planned, meal plans are planned, careers are planned, conferences are planned, meetings are planned, flight plans are planned, graduations are planned, births are planned, etc… You get the idea. The list could be endless.

 

Benjamin Franklin once said: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

 

John Maxwell said: “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail.” However you want to say it, it’s important to plan!

 

While it’s important to plan as we go through life, it is even more important to understand that it is God who determines the steps of your plans through life. It is God who connects the dots. It is God who is writing your story and it is God who will establish your plans. All He asks of us is to “plan” and then trust Him for the results. God sees from beginning to end, and it is God that will guide you step by step. Don’t rush ahead.

 

I’m not sure where you are in life at this moment—however, I do know that God is holding you right in the palm of His mighty hand, writing your story, and establishing His will for your life. Lean into the Lord. Obey Him. Trust Him. Make wise choices and decisions. Don’t quit! Don’t throw in the towel because your plan hasn’t worked out in your time! Don’t give up! And don’t stop planning!

 

Because when you can’t trace God’s Hand—Trust His heart as He determines your steps.

 

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.

…obey those over you, and give honor and respect to all those to whom it is due.

Romans 13:7b (TLB)

 

It was a crisp late October evening. The 12u season-ending fall rec tournament was underway. I had the honor of working behind the plate in our two-man umpire team. The first two batters were retired in uneventful fashion in the top of the first, bringing up the three-hole hitter. He was the team’s best player: No. 13. With the count even at 2-2, the pitcher painted the outside corner with a thigh-high fastball, and the hitter just watched it go by, leaving his Demarini bat on his shoulder.

“Strike three!” I exclaimed, ending the top of the first.

The batter two two steps out of the box, then stopped suddenly and turned back to me.

“You’ve GOT to be kidding me!!” he objected, before resuming his walk back to the dugout.

I stood there stunned for a moment, then said to myself, “Nope. He’s not getting away with that.”

I followed the batter for a few steps, and as I approached the dugout, I announced in front of the families in the visiting stands, “Number 13 is out of this ball game! Number 1-3 is out of the game and will not return!”

Gasps were audible from the parents and siblings, and several immediately questioned: “Why?!?!” I said, “Because he was disrespectful – that’s why!”

About an inning later, the opposing coach came over to me between innings. He said, “You know, I’m okay with it if you want to allow him back in the game.”

I said, “Well, you might be OK with it, but I’m not! If I let him back into the game, he won’t learn a thing! I’m thinking about this young man’s future. If he comes back in the game, then nothing will change.”

I don’t know of another umpire in my organization who has ejected an 11 year old kid. Perhaps I am the only one who has – but I stand behind my decision! It seems with each passing day society’s collective respect for authority diminishes. People (even kids) project an air of superiority and entitlement, as opposed to what scripture teaches regarding honoring others and showing them respect – even when we feel it’s not deserved.

The Apostle Paul continues in Chapter 13 by writing, All ten [Commandments] are wrapped up in this one, to love your neighbor as you love yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone. That’s why it fully satisfies all of God’s requirements. It is the only law you need. Romans 13:9b-10

Respecting authority – including umpires – is a way to “love your neighbor.” It’s tough to think in those terms, especially when we are certain that we were wronged. And, let’s face it – umpires do get it wrong (even me sometimes). But, let’s remember that when we’re respectful, we honor the Lord, and he rewards us for it.

Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn’t hard at all; for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him. 1 John 5:3 

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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.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
Luke 6:40

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What is Your “PCR” Report?

For nearly eight years our son, Zach, has been a licensed Paramedic in the State of Georgia and is also a Nationally Certified Paramedic.  One of his important job responsibilities is to write and maintain accurate, high-quality and detailed documentation regarding the patients he cares for on his EMS calls.  These are referred to as “PCR” reports (patient care reports).  At a minimum, there are seven marks or key elements that are identified as essentials for documenting a well written and complete “PCR” narrative:

• Dispatch and Response Summery
• Scene Summary
• Patient Physical Exam Summary
• Interventions Summary
• Status Change Summary
• Safety Summary
• Disposition Summary

Yes, Paramedics (and all Healthcare Providers) have a responsibility to provide high-quality, accurate and detailed summaries of all patient encounters.  These components and indicators are vital in evaluating a quality “PCR” report.

In a similar way, there are seven vital key components or indicators of a “Fully Trained” disciple of Christ who is replicating the “Conduct” of Christ in their daily life.  Observe closely:

• Member – Do I belong to a local church by being in a large group weekend environment and prioritizing a small group environment?
• Magnifier – Am I spending time worshipping God in private when I’m alone, and in public in my local church?
• Minister – Am I meeting the needs of people in my local community, in my occupation, and in my local church?
• Maturing – Am I spending time alone with God, growing in my Fellowship and Faith with Him through reading, studying His Word, and prayer?
• Manager – Am I managing my time, my calendar, my talents, my relationships, my treasure and my body in a God honoring way?
• Messenger – Am I actively seeking out opportunities to share God’s message of love and salvation with others, inviting someone to church, small group, or discipleship group?
• Multiplier – Am I leveraging my influence by reproducing and multiplying more disciples with the life and time I’ve been given here on earth, am I making disciples that make disciples?

Listen closely:  If your target is to become a fully trained disciple, then all seven marks of Christ should be present in your life.  These seven marks may not be all the marks of a fully trained disciple, however all seven marks are evident in Jesus’s life, evident in the disciples’ lives, and evident in the life of the Church.  Not one time in the past 2000 years has being a disciple not included these seven marks of Christ’s life.  That should give you the motivation to want those marks present in your life.

What does your “PCR” report indicate about your life as a “Fully Trained” disciple?

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.

“Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.”
John 14:27

 

We live in a culture and society today that has everything – except “Peace.”  Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older every year.  People with anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.  It’s not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

One of my good friends, Gary Dickinson is a pilot and flight simulator instructor for Delta Airlines. I asked Gary the following question: “What avionics instrument would be the worst to lose and go out during the flight?” His answer was the “Artificial Horizon Indicator.”  Gary said: “Without it we would be unable to keep our wings level if we entered weather—clouds or anything which obscured the horizon.”  You see, the Artificial Horizon Indicator is an extremely important cockpit instrument gauge. It gives you an instant, truthful indication as to whether your aircraft is turning, climbing or descending, and should be trusted over all other senses if you are disorientated or lost. When this instrument is working properly, it provides a great sense of “Peace” to the pilot flying through poor visibility or disorientation.

In a similar way, the “Peace of God” that only He can give is the instrument gauge that will navigate you through the storms of life when you can’t seem to find your way. Without it, our lives become disoriented. We are instead controlled by anxiety, depression, troubles, worry, doubt and fear, which inevitably will lead us to crash. However, Jesus reminds us in the verse above about the “Peace” that only He can provide. It transcends all earthly understanding. Read it again closely . . .

“Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be anxious, troubled, or fearful.”

The “Peace” that Jesus gives is the very instrument gauge that will guide you through the loss of a job, parents, child or spouse. It is the instrument gauge that will guide you through overwhelming challenges, difficulties and the storms of life.  Because it’s not a matter of if, but when you’ll encounter the deep valleys of life—and it is then that you must rely on the greatest spiritual instrument gauge:

“The Peace of God.”

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.