Talking Softball

In 2006 the Florida department of corrections was in state of crisis. 40 officials had been charged with crimes (charges from corruption and embezzling to abusing prisoners), 90 had been fired, and 280 had been demoted. When prison reformer James McDonough was charge with cleaning up the mess left behind, he first looked into the reasons that had lead to the mess and found an odd factor: inter departmental softball. McDonough said, "I cannot explain how big an obsession softball had become. People were promoted on the spot after a softball game to high positions in the department because they were able to hit a softball out of the park. The connection between softball and the parties and the corruption and the beatings of prisoners was greatly intertwined”. I am telling you this story not because I have anything against softball but to illustrate how ordinary, neutral things can become sinful when allowed to control our lives. 2 Peter 2:19 tells us, “for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.” Activities, hobbies, jobs, and even possessions, if allowed, can become obsessions that take over our lives and pull us from God into sin. What in your life is trying to take the place of God?

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Mysterious Ways

William Cowper didn’t see any reason to live. He decided that he’d jump off the bridge over the Thames. So, he called a cab to take him there. But that night in 1763, a thick fog enveloped London. It was so thick the cab driver couldn’t find the bridge and couldn’t even find the way to take William home. In frustration, he ordered the driver to stop and get out to get his bearings. He walked up to the nearest house to read the number and it was William's house. Gone now were William’s thoughts of suicide and instead a new idea came into his head. So, he went in and wrote these words: God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm. You fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds you so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head. I sometimes wish we could see all the ways God watches over us when need it. There are...

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Ecclesiastes 12:10

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