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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Saturday, February 21, 2004 Ongoing Training |
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Frontline Devotion for
Saturday, February 21, 2004, by Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Spring training has begun for most, if not all, professional baseball teams. This year, spring training has gotten a ton of press as the best player in
baseball, Alex Rodriguez, was traded to the New York Yankees. In addition to
Rodriguez, countless big name players have switched teams. People anxiously
await the beginning of the season.
But, let’s not forget the importance of the next 6 weeks for baseball players.
It is a time of intense training. They will run, lift, hit, pitch, field, and
go through countless drill to get in “game shape.” They will have team meetings
and hopefully talk a little about discipline. This training is to bring them
closer to their potential and help them bond with their teammates. But, they
must stop at the end of 6 weeks. As the season begins, they will be playing
“real games”, but the only way they will have the endurance to play the whole
season is if they continue to train. Lifting and running and continuing to
practice will keep them sharp and focused.
Spring training always begins as Lent is just about to begin. In only a few
days, many Christians will be jolted to begin a 6 week time of “training". Some
will make serious efforts to pray daily and read scriptures. Some will undergo
a time of intense reflection and keep a daily journal. Some will participate
in an intentional group to reflect on faith issues. Some will fit multiple
worship opportunities into their busy lives. All are wonderful disciplines and
will help people to grow.
All of life is “game on” in my opinion. Lent presents a “spring training” faith
reminder, but the reality for Christians is that we are “in season” at all times
and in all places. I am convinced that “training” is part of the Christian
lifestyle. It is not simply limited to 6 weeks each year. The 6 weeks are
rather a time of increasing intensity. The training we do on an ongoing basis
in prayer, devotions, worship, scripture reading, journaling, and serving helps
us grow closer to God and gives us the endurance for the long haul.
See your life of faith as a life of continual training. We are all works in
progress- never finished products.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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