Saved By Grace: The Josh Hamilton Story

Josh Hamilton is the prime Example of a man Saved by the Grace of Jesus Christ. Certainly nothing is too big for the Lord to overcome as Drug Addiction and Alcoholism could not conquer Hamilton who turned his life over to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After Josh hit rock bottom and had no where else to go, he turned his life over to God and everything from then on out was much different. He no longer needed the alcohol or the drugs when times were tough or when he was depressed, but turned to the Lord who drove him to happiness through prayer and the Word. Now Hamilton, a disciple of Christ and a member of the Texas Rangers is not only a reconciled man off the field but on as well. Josh certainly has the potential and stardom for a possible MVP award after a stellar first half of play, but more importantly he is a happy father and husband who knows that he is complete. Josh is not only sending balls out of the yard but spreading the news of the Lord Jesus to kids, youth, and adults by his ministry both on and off the field. The way that he conducts himself now is incredible as he has become a prime role model for people of all ages. Josh is not proud of the decisions that he had made in the past, however he knows that he has been granted a clean slate thanks be to God who saved him by Grace through the Cross and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The past is what Josh Hamilton uses to teach children and adults of how the Lord can help one achieve victory over any addiction, problem, or test in life. This incredible man was touched by the Lord and said yes to the call, and has never been the same. Josh realizes that by being born again to new life in Christ he is the person that he genuinely was made to be, a man who loves and does does everything now for the Glory of God. Recently Josh set a record by hitting 28 homers in the first round of the Home Run Derby. He proclaimed this feat to be a dream come true, however he knows that winning over the fans with his game is good, but his change or heart and love for God far outshine the distance of any long ball. Josh Hamilton is a committed athlete, but more importantly a dedicated disciple and proud believer in Jesus Christ. Saved by Grace, Josh knows that it took only one swing, to trust God and allow the Lord into the batters box of life so that he could hit the curve balls of evil and sin out of the yard, to round the bases and reach an Eternal Home.

Seed for Eternal Life

In todays Gospel we hear about the different kinds of seed that are sown. Some seed falls on rocky soil, some on unfertile soil, some in vines, and some in rich soil. The seed that is the faith which we have received from the Lord is sown in our lives by what we do, the choices we make, and how we live in relation to both God and our neighbor. There is no doubt that at times we make bad decisions and thus our seed is choked by the vines and cannot grow further for a while. There are other times when we talk and do not walk, thus our seed falls into rocky soil. There are also times when we plant our seed in unfertile soil, where we have good intentions but the results do not follow. Although we all face hardships, temptation, and difficulties in this lifetime, there is clearly a rich soil which we also plant our seed and must continue to do so. The rich soil is where our faith blossoms and grows each day, the rich soil is Jesus Christ. Christ is our light he provides the nourishment, the waters of peace and truth, and most of all the unconditional love and friendship that we need to overcome the tough soils of the world. When we plant our seed in the rich soil we find that life is most complete and full because we become our genuine selves and are able to live a life that is holy and righteous. Through this rich soil in Christ, we who were once a tiny plant and dead because of our sins are brought to abundant life through the one who paid the price to die so that we may live. We are raised up and grow to become faithful and loving children of God who waters us each day and keeps us safely rooted in the promises of the Heavenly Kingdom. It is important for us to remember that we have been blessed with this faith and that we must trust the Lord Jesus to lead us through our earthly lives, that we may reach our Homeland with God in the world to come. St. Paul always said, "Thanks be to God for the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." May we too rejoice because we are rooted in the rich soil of Life that is our Lord and Savior. May we take courage and know that God is there all the time and that we must continue to strive for life in all we do. There are numerous soils, but only one that leads to growth, happiness, love, and life, we we choose to be planted always in Christ so that we may be complete in this world and the one to come.

New Covenant

Jesus has freed us from the bondage of sin and has promised us that we are no longer under the law, but that we must obey one commandment to love God and love our neighbor. When we follow this command and live as people of the New Covenant, we certainly fulfill the old one and the law of Moses and go beyond to live out Christian love. It takes a big effort to resist the temptations and hardships in life. There are physical struggles that we go through and must deal with such as losing a loved one, or financial burdens, however the things we must be more concerned about are the moral struggles. The small moral struggles are very tough to overcome if we do not nip them in the bud early on. When things get too big and we become too comfortable with them it is extremely hard to deal with them and we can lose much of our relationship with God and with our neighbor. With Jesus at the center of our life we can overcome all things and will get back on the right track when things go south so long as we keep our trust in Him, are persistent, and do not give the Devil any ground. We must be willing to fit as much as possible the hardships and temptations we struggle, just do not give in. If we do give in and fall away from the Lord, be certain that He still loves us the same and will call us back to Himself. At times such as these we must be willing to do away with the things that are causing our separation from God. When we do this and get back on track, walking in the light and by loving God and neighbor on a daily basis we will be relieved of the burdens of the world. Not only will we be able to live more at peace and have a good conscience because our morals and values are in line with what God wants of us, we will also be able to confidently say and live out the Gospel on a daily basis. There is nothing better than knowing that we are people of God and Children of the Lord who made us, who is with us, and who is in us. When times are tough and you need help call to the Lord for He will send His Holy Spirit and fill you with Joy and lasting peace. For in this world we will struggle but we must remember that the victory goes beyond this earthly life and it is our hope and joy to triumph with Christ in Heaven. Eternal Life is available to all people thanks to the gracious act Christ Jesus did to free us from our sin and open the gates of Eternity. Therefore, the New Covenant has been made, the blood has been shed. We are no longer living in darkness but in the light of life. May God be our guide and lead us away from all sin and evil and to the joy of Christ where we live in blessed love of God and neighbor in all that we do.

Who are my Brothers and Sisters?

Many times Christians misunderstand whom is meant when Jesus says love your neighbor and love your brothers and sisters. As Christians we are called to love all people, whether they are fellow believers or are Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, or do not believe in God at all. By loving all people and treating everyone we come in contact with through genuine love we show them the love of Jesus Christ. It is important for us Christians to remember that our Lord Jesus loved all people, especially those who were outcasts, the lame, the crippled, the blind, tax collectors, and sinners. Therefore, we must follow the Lord's lead and love all people whomever and wherever they may be. Christian love does not shun or put down people because their faith or beliefs are different but it is a warm welcome and a brotherly kindness and care that is shown to strangers and friends alike. One must never force his faith on another person but be willing to teach and preach the word of God to his fellow man when he wishes to learn the message of salvation. We must always do our best to be inviting and not drive people away from the Cross of the Lord of Glory. Whether one is Christian or not, this should not affect how we treat them and love them. For it is by accepting all people for who they are where Christian brotherhood can come into affect most certainly. This does not mean that we have to necessarily agree with what others believe, but we must treat them with respect and not say that we are right and others wrong. Encourage one another to walk the way of Christ each day because this is how both fellow Christians and non believers will see the face of God. We also must remember that we do not know how people of other religions or even other Christians interact with God on a daily basis. A relationship with God is communal, but also very personal and by being non judgmental we can assure that we will not make enemies but only friends. Therefore, let the Holy Spirit guide you to speak and live the Gospel each day in order to love all your brothers and sisters. For Jesus calls us to live love and in order to do so we must be willing to love all people whether they are Christian or not. Many times we would be surprised at how close to God people are we just have to love them and give them a chance.

Life on the ROCK

Throughout life we go through ups and downs, but regardless of how good or bad things can be we must have a consistent foundation if we hope to walk in the light each day. A house built on sand is weak and will collapse, while one built on rock will withstand all the tests of time. As Christians we must build our house, namely ourselves on the Rock who is Jesus Christ. The foundation of faith in Christ is solid and cannot falter it will never fail and if we remain faithful we will stand strong forever. Those who choose to build their house on God do not have to worry about the troubles and tribulations that come in life because through Christ we can overcome all because our Lord is all. For building our foundation on the Rock which is the Lord of Glory provides the only way to withstand the Devil's attempt to destroy our house, which is our Spirit. The Holy Spirit which is the advocate sent to us by way of the Father gives us the strength and reinforcement each day so that our Rock can never crumble. Although at times our foundation can be shaken, it can never be uprooted and destroyed so long as we rely, trust, and believe on Christ who is solid and makes us solid. So when you are weary and need rest go to the Lord and when you feel weak remember that you are strong because with Jesus in your heart you are set upon solid Rock that cannot and will not be destroyed. Christ proclaims it best in the Gospel, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world." Let us remember that we can do all and overcome all through the Lord who is the Rock that provides the solid foundation of faith that has been, is, and always will be. Life on the ROCK is the solid choice, it can be hard at times but it will not break and shall last forever.

Trust the Lord For He Will Lead You to Life

In today's gospel we hear the message of John who proclaims the promise of life if we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him might not perish, but might have Eternal Life" (John 3:16). Faith is a gift from God freely given to us. We have this gift and must use it, putting our trust and believing in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who came and redeemed the world. God so loved us that He gave His only Son to us in order to cleanse humanity from sin and death and free us to salvation and Eternal Life. There are times in our lives when we feel quite alone, but we must always remember that it is at these times that God is most present to us. The Lord is always there, we must look for Him in prayer, in others, and in the scriptures. The Good Shepherd will not leave our side so long as we believe and continue to trust in Him. For the word says that He will not betray us, even though we have betrayed Him time after time by committing sin. As Christians we have failed, but we have grown and are continuing to triumph over the evils of the world and the darkness around us. Christ is the light that shines forth and brings Glad Tidings and Peace to the Earth. With Jesus at our Side and in our hearts no evil can snatch us from the the Hands of our Loving Creator. Life is filled with obstacles and times when we have to move on to new experiences and challenges. We must remember that we are not alone and that God is forever with us along the journey of life. We have the support of our friends and families, the community of the Church, and most of all and most importantly the Lord who is always reliable. By trusting in God and the Love and fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ, and being empowered by the Spirit it is us Christians who have the Key to Eternal Life. For the Lord promises all those who believe the Kingdom of God, being in the presence of our Maker for all Eternity. By trusting this belief turns into acts of love, essentially where our Christian faith is put into action. We proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through what we do and how we do it. Therefore, it is so important that we take this free gift God has granted us and use it, trusting the Lord and living life to its fullest as we spread the Love of Christ throughout the world in all that we do. It is true that "What we do in life echoes through all Eternity." Trust that you are never alone and that by Faith you have received grace, this grace through the strength of the Spirit enabling you to do whatever the Lord calls you to. The road is not easy because many times it hurts to love. Jesus knew this, as He died on the Cross for us so that we may Live with Him and be made at one with God. Now it is our turn to trust in God and to sacrifice in order to love one another and our Lord. "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). The message is clear the path straight, our God reliable, trust that you are a disciple of Christ. For God promises us "I will not leave you orphans" (John 14:18). We are not alone we are protected by the Lord here in this World and Forever so long as we trust, love, and believe.

Pentecost Sunday

"Lord Send down your Spirit and renew the face of the Earth!" This is the message of Pentecost Sunday, as we celebrate the 50 days after the Lord's resurrection from the dead. Pentecost marks the time when the Holy Spirit was sent by our Lord to reveal us all things once again, this promise being renewed from the time when Jesus breathed on his disciples at Passover and said "Receive the Holy Spirit." The Spirit is a wonderful gift that God our Father grants us. This force and third person of the Blessed Trinity is God manifest in the world, revealing and teaching us all things. The Holy Spirit is what guides us day by day and gives us the power to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. By the Spirit of the Lord we are free and protected from evil and sin. With the Holy Spirit ruling in our heart we are made one with the Father and the Son and are capable of anything and everything. Pentecost Sunday also marks the time when we shift from Advent-Christmas-Lent-Easter- to Ordinary Time. However, ordinary time does not mean for us as Disciples of Christ to sit back and be ordinary people. We certainly are not ordinary and are not like the rest of the world. We have an ongoing mission that requires even more focus during this "Ordinary Time" to proclaim the gospel at all times, living it out at all times. God has certainly sent us his Spirit and through the grace and power of the Lord's guiding fire of life we are called to share the Love of Christ with our Brothers and Sisters throughout the world, giving all honor and glory to the King who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.