A national sport or national pastime is a sport or game that is considered to be an intrinsic part of the culture of a nation. Although it lags behind football in popularity, baseball is still widely considered America's national sport and is commonly referred to as America's pastime. Baseball is an intrinsic part of the culture of our nation.

The start of the 2022 season was delayed because management and the players failed to come to a mutual agreement and approve terms for the coming season. Normally the season starts in late March, but the delay resulted in a revised schedule for the 2022 regular season. The season officially began on April 7, 2022, and is extended by three days with the final day of the season now scheduled for Wednesday, October 5. The 2022 MLB playoffs will begin shortly after and will be followed by the World Series.

This is a story that shows how a game of baseball can be used to relate a lesson about the important role of Grace in our relationship with our Lord.

THE LORD’S HOME RUN

Freddy and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. All continued to watch as a batter named “Love” stepped up to the plate.

Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because "Love never fails.”

The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love.

The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch.

Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because he never swings at what Satan throws.

The bases were now loaded. The Lord then turned to Freddy and told him He was now going to bring in His star player…up to the plate stepped Grace.

Freddy remarked, "Sure doesn't look like much!”

Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking that this was an “easy out”, and that there was no way he could lose, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen!

However, Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by him.

The fielder went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head, and sent him crashing to the ground; the roaring crowds went wild as the ball continued over the fence for a home run!

The Lord's team won!

The Lord then asked Freddy if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get on base, but didn’t win the game. Freddy replied that he didn't know why.

The Lord explained, "If your love, faith, and wisdom had won the game, you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, Faith, and Wisdom will get you on base, but only My Grace can get you Home.”

- Author Anonymous

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For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory.

The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Psalm 84:11 NLT

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT

And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. Romans 11:6 NLT

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.  Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT

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If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:

If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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