28 Oct, 2011
Who Will Win It All?!
Freese leads Cardinals to epic Game 6 win
ST. LOUIS – This was sloppy baseball on a crisp night. Thoroughly thrilling, breathtaking, dramatic, sloppy baseball. Marred by errors, errant pitches and mental mistakes, Game 6 of the World Series was not a purist’s delight. Yet it will forever be remembered as one of the most exciting games in history, a classic, the details of which will be recounted around dinner tables for years.
And they aren’t done yet.
David Freese, who grew up in a St. Louis suburb and returned to baseball after quitting before college, hit a home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Cardinals a 10-9 victory over the Texas Rangers and force a Game 7 in the World Series for the first time since 2002.
The Cardinals were down to their last strike in the ninth and tied the score on a two-run triple by the very same Freese. They were down by two runs in the 10th and extended the game with another rally after being down to their last strike. And despite a boatload of errors and oddities, somehow they survived, depriving the Rangers of celebrating the first series championship in their 51-year history.
At least for one more day.
“We just kept battling, that defines our team,” Freese said. “It’s incredible to be part of this.”
For full story: Click Here.
Story and Photo found at sports.yahoo.com.
Mark 8:34-38 (NIV)
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
What Does God's Story Teach Us About Winning It All?
Tonight someone will win the World Series. The St. Louis Cardinals are going for their eleventh. The Texas Rangers are going for their first. Tonight the one will be celebrating as World Series Champs.
Now, answer this question. Who won the World Series in 1997? How about 2001? Maybe you knew those answers, but most likely you didn't. Unless you are a huge baseball fan, you probably can't list the winners of the World Series from previous years. You may remember if a team you follow won. You may remember for a lot of reasons. But in all honesty, we often forget from year to year. As amazing as it must be to be on a World Series Championship team, it is still temporary in light of God's eternal plan.
In today's God's Story scripture Mark reminds us that we are called to deny ourselves and follow Jesus. We aren't called to worldly pursuits, we are called to Jesus. As you dream about all you want to accomplish in this life, let me challenge you to dream about becoming like Jesus more than you dream about gaining anything in this world. (Incidentally, the Florida Marlins won in 1997 and the Arizona Diamondbacks won in 2001 - I had to look it up!)
How can I connect today's God's Story to My Life?
What are your pursuing? Make a list of what you want to gain and accomplish in your life. Are you pursuing Jesus more than anything else? Spend some time this weekend talking with God about any areas of your life where worldly pursuits are more important than your relationship with Him. Allow Him to become a higher priority in those areas.
How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
- When you hear others talking about last night's game today, consider starting a conversation about today's God's Story scripture. Talk with your friends about what they are pursuing in this life. Listen for opportunities to share more of God's Story with your friends.
- Get some friends together tonight to watch Game 7 of the World Series. Some great conversations about God's Story can occur when we are simplying spending time together.
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