Day 5 - Practicing Scripture
Dude - this NEVER happens like this haha! Today, we get to enjoy a current event that PERFECTLY brings forward what we are learning.
Oklahoma University’s Softball Team has been winning some softball games and they are the favored team to win the national championship (from what I can tell, I don’t watch Softball).
They did an interview post game and they were asked a simple question of how they still connected to the “joy of the game” when the softball season can be so long.
You have to see their response!
Incredible! Below, I just want to list a few verses that apply to what we are hearing. These all come from Philippians and they are something we have read and studied this week.
10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
-Philippians 1:10-11
We see incredible insight to what actually matters here. These players know what matters most.
12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. -Philippians 1:12-14
Pretty safe to say that no matter if they win or lose - they have done well to honor Christ and point to Christ.
Currently, there is some upheaval going on around their comments. This is not covert (Christianity) this is full on public faith displayed! Very cool! Some won’t like it.
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ,
-Philippians 1:20a
Stepping out like this required boldness!
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.
Philippians 1:27a
One of these women said, “this isn’t our home.” Talk about perspective. Talk about conducting yourself in a manner that is worthy…
Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
-Philippians 1:27b
At the end of the video you can see two of the women fist bump like “dang, we killed that.” Philippians 2:2 applies here as well. These women were on mission.
I am not saying it was premeditated, but those women were ready in season and out of season to share their faith. They did WELL!
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy Philippians 2:14-18
Need I say more? They were shining bright lights.
That’s it for today! Sometimes it’s best to review and reflect on what you have read. Especially in a cool moment like today. Where do you see the Gospel being lived out in culture today? Celebrate that.
I will let you read through Philippians chapter 3. What do you think applies or informs what these women said and did during this interview? List out some of those scriptures. How will this inform how you respond at your job? How will this inform how you respond to co-workers. Do you get bent out of shape, or do you have the joy of the Lord?
Today, I am rejoicing and feel challenged! I hope you do too.
-Pastor Brian
