9 Aug, 2007
Record-breaking leader!
Bonds Breaks All-Time Home Run Record
For one spectacular moment, Barry Bonds and everybody cheering him could forget about the controversy surrounding his chase and appreciate the phenomenal feat: 756.
Nobody in the majors not Hank Aaron, not Babe Ruth has ever hit more home runs than the San Francisco star.
On Tuesday night, in his home ballpark, it didn't matter how many of them might have been fueled by steroids or performance-enhancers. Bonds has the title of home run king all to himself, ending Aaron's 33-year reign.
"This record is not tainted at all. At all. Period," Bonds said.
Conspicuous by their absence were the commissioner and Hammerin' Hank himself.
Though he was on hand for the tying homer three days ago, deciding to put baseball history ahead of the suspicions plaguing the Giants slugger, Bud Selig wasn't there for the record-breaker.
Instead, he sent two emissaries, Major League Baseball executive vice president Jimmie Lee Solomon and Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. Selig also issued a statement.
"While the issues which have swirled around this record will continue to work themselves toward resolution, today is a day for congratulations on a truly remarkable achievement," Selig said.
photo & story courtesy abcnews.com, 8/8/07
2 Timothy 2:5
5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about living lives of integrity?
Rules in athletic competition exist for several reasons. They make the competition fair and protect the athletes from injury. Most kinds of games include penalties or fouls as consequences for players when they don't play fair or when they are trying to harm someone from the other team.
In today's verse, Paul makes it clear that we must follow the commands or rules that God has given us. His commands are given to us because He loves us and wants us to win the race He has given us to run.
How are you doing at following the "rules" given to us by God, found in His Holy Word?
Barry Bonds was crowned the new "home run king" last night, but he will continue to experience the controversy of whether or not he cheated by using steroids. It's possible that his record will be wiped out if he is proven guilty, or it may stand. Even if the truth is never revealed, Bonds' accomplishment will be tainted because his integrity is in question.
If we ignore or break God's instructions, our integrity in this earthly life will be questioned and our eternal crown will be tainted.
Obeying God's rules not only leads to victory, but it demonstrates our love for Him now and forever.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- As you read God's Word, write down at least one command every week that you know God wants you to keep. This will be your personal list of God's "guiding love" that you know will help you be victorious in this life and receive a crown of reward in Heaven.
- Pray every day for Jesus to help you live a life of integrity.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder to stay motivated while you strive to serve God with integrity.
- Thank God right now for giving us rules to live by and please Him. Confess any of His instructions in His Word which you know you have been ignoring or breaking. Thank Jesus for providing forgiveness and giving you a "clean record"!
How can you connect today's story and God's Story scripture and your story to others?
- As you talk to friends about Barry Bonds' accomplishment, ask them if they believe he cheated and if he did, does it matter? Look for the moment that Jesus may give you to talk about the truth that only Christ can give us a "clean record" before God. Share your story of how you know that some day Christ's "record-breaking" death and resurrection will take you to live in Heaven forever.
- Use today's DAILYBIDE as a resource in your small group or youth group to talk about the importance of following God's "rules" in His Word.
- Be a good listener to others as you try to learn their stories. When you hear them talk about the rules or restrictions in their lives, use this opportunity to share more about your story as it relates to God's "guiding love" in your life.
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