The Third Base Coach
Both my sons play baseball, and each team has signals for bunting, stealing, taking a pitch, hitting away, etc. Normally, the third base coach gives the signals to each player before he steps to the plate. Also, after each pitch, our batters are supposed to step out of the batter’s box, look down the third base line, and check with the coach for the signals. Needless to say, they missed many of the signals because they weren’t paying attention at the beginning of the game when the signals were given or they simply did not bother to look down the line to get the signals from the third base coach. As a result, we were far from having a wining record.
Each day, I believe, the Holy Spirit gives me signals to: steal away to a quiet place, pray, stop, pause, breathe, go, talk, be silent, take a risk, listen, move, repent, confess, laugh, love harder, dig deeper, live and lead more courageously, share the gospel, put down my blackberry, turn off the computer, buy my wife a gift or simply hold her, play catch or sit with my children, call someone I haven’t seen in a while, and so many more.
I wonder how many times I have miss the signals in my day because I wasn’t paying attention or because I wasn’t looking down the line to check with the Third Base Coach before I started my day. Sometimes I see the signal to bunt (humility), but because I don’t see myself as a “small ball” kind of player, but a power hitter (Ego, Pride), who wants to be the hero and win the game (selfishness), I ignore the signals and carry out my own agenda at the plate. In the end, I lose out on advancing the Kingdom and bringing glory to our heavenly Father.
Each day, before I start my busy day, I need to look down the line and check the signals from the Third Base Coach, through prayer and meditating on Jesus’ words. This way, I can better understand what he wants me to do, thereby doing my part in advancing his kingdom in the world. What signals is the Third Base Coach giving you? How closely do you pay attention and follow them?
“Since we live in the Spirit, we should also walk in the Spirit.” Gal. 5:25
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Tags: Direction, Guidance, Promptings
June 17th, 2009 at 12:39 am
This is a good reminder to always be ready for the signals God may send. There are times when I'd rather not know He was sending me a signal to live for HIm. I pray that I will yield more to God's leading instead of trying to have my own way.
June 17th, 2009 at 3:12 am
This is a good reminder. Sometimes I do not want to look down the third base line to get the signals because of what it might cost me. But I desire more and more to listen carefully to the Holy Spirit's leading and I will be more conscious to check with the Third Base Coach. Thanks for reminding us.
June 17th, 2009 at 3:15 am
Just today the Holy Spirit signaled me to make a plate for my son (after I had sent him to his room with no lunch for his disobedience). I immediately deterred from my own agenda and obeyed (trusting that it was for good reason). Less than 30 minutes later I understood why God told me to do this. If I had not listened I would have missed out on an awesome oppurtunity to teach my son a lesson about gentleness, grace, conviction and love.
Makes me wonder, how many times I've missed out b/c I was not following the Holy Spirits lead!!
Thanks for the thoughtful and practical blogs Pastor
June 17th, 2009 at 5:44 am
Great story, DC! God is always working and trying to tell us something, isn't he? We have to slow down and look for the clues and signals. As we pray, meditate on the word, and obey the word, he makes us sensitive to his signals. We have to have courage to act on the signals he gives. What tends to snatch away your courage and will to act on the signals he gives?
June 17th, 2009 at 5:46 am
Sometimes I don't want to look down the line either, but thank God for his amazing grace. His grace is what allows him to remind us over and over again. Keep looking and listening for the signals. What tends to prevent you from seeing and acting on the signals he gives? What more do you need to do to act on his signals?