Our Fantasy Football Devotionals have migrated to our Family Devotionals Page. You can read a devotional written or chosen by one of our pastors, staff members, or church members every day here. Check out our Fantasy Football Podcast here!
God Language
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
ESPN has a new Monday Night Football format this year that includes Peyton Manning and his brother Eli Manning sitting around with various guests, commenting on the game. They have a wealth of football knowledge, funny stories, and a great sense of camaraderie that can only be forged by two people who not only grew up in the same house, but played the same position at an elite level for years. I love football and consider myself a knowledgable fan, but when these guys talk, they use a language that shows they REALLY KNOW football.
In my life recently, I have dealt a lot with the realities of life on earth. Sickness, disease, death, broken families, and broken homes seem to dominate the landscape everywhere I turn. Then there are frustrated people trying to come across our border; people frustrated by the way that is being handled. There are people who feel that the systems in society have treated them unfairly; and those who feel that people in society are unfairly abusing the systems we have in place. There are hot-button topics in every part of our lives and it can be frustrating for everyone, but especially Christians, to find their way in a world that has seemingly forgotten God.
An idea that has helped me recently is remembering to use God’s Language to address these issues. In God’s word we find language that celebrates who God is, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He is going to do. God Language reminds us and others that HE is in charge no matter what the rest of the world may say. God Language reminds us that everything we are and everything we do needs to be done for HIS GLORY. Like the Manning brothers talking about football, I hope I can use God Language in my life in such a way that people will think, “this guy is using a language that shows He REALLY KNOWS GOD!” Maybe we can even develop the kind of unity that can only be forged through a lifetime of experiences with those who grow together in God’s house and serve at an elite level in God’s eternal kingdom.
Questions for thought:
Read this passage again, what words are found in this passage that point to God?
What words (God Language) in this passage can encourage us and others in difficult times?
What words remind us of our purpose in God’s story?
What other passages and words can we use in our life to show others that we really know God?
Dear God,
Thank you for your word. May it dwell in us richly as we speak to one another, encourage one another, exhort one another, and lift one another up so that we may be filled with the power of your Spirit. May your church glorify you throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen.
Ray Sanchez is the Pastor of Worship and Administration at FBCW. His fantasy football team Sermon on the Mount (named after Trey sermon) is 0-2. He thinks the rest of you fantasy football scrubs need to spend more time reading the Bible and using God Language instead of playing fantasy football…but he mainly thinks that because he is 0-2 and probably has a really bad season ahead. It sounds like he needs more God language in his fantasy football life.
Do Your Job - By Kim Curry
1 Corinthians 12:18
But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
We recently held an auction to fill our fantasy football rosters for our teams in the FBCW fantasy football league. We picked a QB, RB, WR, etc. Why didn’t we pick 11 QB’s* or 11 RB’s? A Team is made of many members playing different roles. Are the linemen unimportant? Ask any QB the importance of a good offensive line.
The same is even more true in the Church family, the Body of Christ. We all have different roles, but the body cannot function without all the areas filled. Some are good at physical work, some are good at contacting and checking on people, and some are good a hospital visits. Whatever our gifts, God has called us to serve His kingdom in our homes, our church, and our places of business. As Sean Payton of New Orleans Saints said a couple of years ago, “Do your job”.
By Kim Curry
*Steve Urbina may have taken 11 QB’s, but 4 is the limit.
Kim Curry’s favorite scripture is John 14:1-6.
Kim has been married to his wife Janice for 46 years and has been a member of FBC Weslaco for 47 years (I think we can all see what happened there). They have two children and five grandchildren. Kim, who recently retired, has spent 40 years in Information Technology as an Application Developer, and has served as a Sunday School Teacher for 39 years, recently becoming a master of the zoom platform, and a Deacon for 37 years. When Kim speaks, you should listen. His words are equal parts wisdom and comic relief. You have to be on your A-game to discern which is which!
Kim enjoys hockey (thanks in part to the former Rio Grande Killer Bees), football, basketball, and boxing with his favorite sports team being the Dallas Stars. Kim also enjoys playing guitar, operating a ham radio, and laughing!
This Devotional was originally posted on September 18, 2019.
A Prayer of Gratitude Even When Life Is Hard
By Tiffany Thibault, as written for Your Daily Prayer daily devotional, posted on crosscards.com
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. - Psalm 107:8-9
There is no doubt about it. Life is hard. People and circumstances cause us stress. World events cause uncertainty. Each day seems to bring job losses, illness, bad news and disappointments. It can become a heavy burden to bear each of these challenges if it weren't for one simple fact: The Lord loves us with His unfailing love! That means it never stops, never diminishes in strength and is for us each and every day, and in each and every situation that we experience!
This Bible is so encouraging as it reminds us that his deeds toward us are wonderful! He satisfies the thirsty and he fills the hungry with good things. All we have to do is move towards him and seek him!
Are you thirsty for a fresh word from the Lord? Spend a spare moment today reading the Bible. There are thousands of words of encouragement there to satisfy your soul, calm your mind and give your heart hope and healing.
Are you hungry for wisdom and truth in your life? Seek for it in the pages of scripture. Everything we need is written down for us between the covers.
Are you stressed? Worried? Depressed? All alone? We can find help for all these things and so much more as we eagerly seek the scriptures for the answers that we desperately need!
The Lord wants to replace all your worry with peace beyond all understanding.
He wants to remove your fear and fill you with courage.
He wants to remove your loneliness by having a richer relationship with you.
Be thankful for the good things that the Lord is doing in and through you today. He is using you to point others to him. He is using you to be his hands of love as you serve others. He is wanting you to talk with him about your concerns, your pain, your uncertainty. He is waiting to listen to you and to guide you in every area of your life.
Be thankful for the hard things that the Lord is allowing in your life. He is with you. He loves you every single second you are traveling through this pain. He is going to use this situation somehow for His glory and for your good. In the meantime, trust him, and welcome his love. Look eagerly to see the ways he is providing for you through the struggles that you are going through.
We must remind ourselves over and over of how good the Lord truly is to us. He has allowed us another day to walk with him here on earth. Thank him for this day and pray that He would guide your thoughts, your steps and your words to honor him today!
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your unfailing love for me. It is always constant, and it always remains unchanging. It overwhelms me when I think of how much you truly love me.
Thank you for the wonderful deeds that you are doing for us. You created us and gave us an amazing world to live in. You have provided a way for us to eternal life through Jesus. You satisfy our thirst and you fill us with good things.
We trust our lives in your hands. We trust our every moment and our every circumstance to be provided for through your love and provision.
In overwhelming thanksgiving for you, I pray,
Amen.
A Prayer for Knowing When to Speak Our Convictions
By: Maggie Meadows Cooper
"A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth." - 2 Timothy 2:24-25
Sweet friends, I come here with something on my heart that can be a touchy subject. But over the past few weeks, I've just had a knot in my stomach at times over the displays of bickering and, in some cases, hateful comments I have seen on social media over posts sharing controversial topics. Strangers sparring with words over subjects that are so much bigger than one paragraph.
As someone who loves Jesus and wants everyone to know Him for themselves, I find myself thinking about how to express Biblical perspective and truth without coming across as judgmental and hypocritical, at the right time, in the right place, with the right words. I am no expert, and I mess up on the regular, but over the years, the Lord has taught me this about standing up for the Word and sharing Jesus: our words will mean nothing if we have not earned the right to speak into someone's life.
And what I mean by that is this: if there is no relationship, there is no respect for the convictions offered.
When I was teaching, I learned very quickly that if my students knew I truly loved them and believed in them, it changed the entire classroom dynamic in regard to rules and consequences if those rules were broken. At the beginning of the year, it was a guessing game as to how long it would take for each student to get to that point. Some who came from stable homes were quick to trust me. But others who had not known a consistent, unconditional love, or truly just had a longing to buck the system, took longer and were not willing to listen or accept my instruction at times.
It's the same way in life, y'all. Relationships first. Sharing truth in love after, one person at a time.
We all sin. There is not one who doesn't. But we are called to hold each other accountable as Christians and to share Jesus (and Biblical truth) with those who don't know Him yet. We cannot do either of those for someone if they don't already trust that we truly care about them, love them, and want what's best for them.
If those relationships are in place, when a difficult time comes, that person may come to us for advice or perspective. Then we can pray for the Lord to speak through us and open doors to share truth.
When people know you disagree with the choices they are making, but also know you love them in spite of them, it can change everything. Seeds can be planted for the Lord to grow and hopefully collect a harvest later on.
2 Timothy 3:14 says, "But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you." (italics mine)
If people know they can trust us because we speak from a place of love, they will listen, y'all. Let's guard our words. Whether spoken or typed.
If there is truly a burden on our hearts for the lost, for those who don't know truth, for those who need Jesus and just don't know it yet, let's be ever so careful to pray about voicing our convictions before we speak.
Dear Jesus,
There are so many things that I want to say. I want to share my opinion and give my perspective and try to change minds toward you and your Word. But Lord, I know my words are empty unless they come from you. Please help me to be patient and wait for your timing.
Give me wisdom and discernment. Help me to speak the truth in love and let my words bring healing and build bridges and make connections where there were none before. Help my motives in speaking to be pure, and most of all, may you be glorified in everything I do and say.
In Your Mighty Name, Amen.
Dinner With Sinners
(originally posted October, 2019)
Matthew 9:10-17 New International Version (NIV)
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Last year, George Bush and Ellen Degeneres watched the Cowboy’s game together in a suite at AT&T stadium. If you haven’t heard the fireworks, do a quick search and see what comes up. Ellen was attacked by the LGBTQ community for even associating with someone who actively fought against gay-marriage rights. Her Christ-like response was that we should be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32). “When I say, ‘Be kind to one another’, I don’t mean only the people who think the same way that you do,” Ellen clarified. “I mean be kind to everyone. Doesn’t matter” (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/oct/08/ellen-degeneres-george-w-bush-lgbt). While many praised her response, it elicited more anger from those who believed that Bush’s sins against the LGBTQ community and role in the Iraq war could not be forgiven.
It’s easy to criticize others, but don’t we see this play out in our churches? “How could you eat with him after what he did?” “How can you talk to her after what she said? How can you fellowship with those people?” “How could people act like that at church?” “How can you be friends with someone who voted that way?” “They are supposed to be Christians!”
Yes, they are supposed to be Christians. Jesus ate with the sinners because the healthy didn’t need a doctor. That must mean there are a lot of sick people in churches who need care – not perfect people who have it all figured out so they can judge others. Let’s remember to be kind to one another – not because Ellen said it, but because Jesus lived it. Jesus cares more for the mercy we show to others in his name than any sacrifice we can give. Let’s rejoice because he calls sinners like us to join in at his banqueting table. Let’s encourage one another to practice forgiveness so that more of the sick can find healing in this community we call church. Hope to see you at our Family Council Meeting live or online November 18 at 6:15 pm. There won’t be food because of COVID-19, but next time we eat together, maybe we can call it “Dinner with Sinners.”
-Ray Sanchez
Dropkick Me, Jesus
Matthew 28:19-20”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
John 10:27-30 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Dropkick Me, Jesus (Lyrics by Paul Charles Craft)
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goal posts of life
End over end, neither left nor to right
Straight through the heart of them, righteous up rights
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goal posts of life
Verse 1:
Make me, oh, make me, Lord, more than I am
Make me a piece in Your master game plan
Free from the earthly tempestion below
I've got the will, Lord, if You got the toe
Verse 2:
Bring on the brothers who've gone on before
And all of the sisters who've knocked on your door
All the departed, dear, loved ones of mine
Stick 'em up front in the offensive line
Verse 3:
A lowly bench warmer I'm contented to be
Until the time when you have need of me
The flash on the scoreboard that shines upon high
And the big Super Bowl way up in the sky
We get our theology (a fancy word that means what we believe about God) from all sorts of places. I’m not sure an old country song should be the basis of deep theological reflection, but there are some interesting pieces in the prayer, “Dropkick Me, Jesus” sung by Bobby Bare and written by Paul Charles Craft.
I love the humility in this song. “Make me…Lord, more than I am…[and] make me a piece in Your master game plan.” These lines demonstrate that we need Jesus and need to join in God’s great plan for the world. I love the offensive line as a nod to the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) that have come before us and the idea of sitting on the bench humbly waiting for our time in the big game. But while we shouldn’t be fighting for the stardom enjoyed by today’s athletes (and church leaders), the bench is not the place to which God has called us. The Great Commission at the end of Matthew reminds us that we all have a role to play in discipling, baptizing and teaching as a part of God’s kingdom.
Perhaps the greatest theological shortcoming in Dropkick, if taken literally, is pitting our will against God’s toe. The implication here is that I’ve got my life in order as long as Jesus is capable of kicking me through the uprights. Most likely, “I’ve got the will, Lord if You’ve got the toe” is meant to be ironic because we all know that Jesus has got the toe! The real question is do you have the will?
Jesus has already done everything he needs to do to bring us into his kingdom. Those of us who are believers are then called upon to “follow [him]” (John 10:27). And even though Jesus continues to protect us, his work on the cross has already gotten us through the goalposts of eternal life.
In these crazy times, I am thankful that we have the assurance of eternal life. But right now, it is more important to get off the bench and get into the game as we are called to bring glory to God in everything we do (Col. 3:17).
I don’t think that Bobby Bare or Paul Charles Craft wrote “Dropkick Me, Jesus” to be a theological treatise. Most likely, they just wanted to bring a smile to your face and figured even Christians need a good kick in the backside every now and again.
Ray Sanchez is the manager of the Dobbins is a Free Elf Fantasy Football Team (4-2) in the Baptist Ballers FBCW Fantasy League. He is also the Pastor of Worship and Children’s Discipleship at First Baptist Church Weslaco.
Shine From Your Hill
By Ray Sanchez
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
As many perks as there must be for professional football players, most of these guys had little to no say picking the city in which they live. After being drafted, players are often traded before their contracts are up and are forced to move with little say in their destination. Regardless of how a player gets to a new team, we expect them to do their jobs at the highest levels - especially for our fantasy football team.
It was reported that Stefan Diggs, who was traded to the Bills this past year, immediately went to work in the offseason with Quarterback Josh Allen. That investment has paid off as Diggs is currently ranked as WR6 and is averaging over 20 Fantasy Points per a game. In addition, the usually bottom-dwelling Buffalo Bills are 4-0 for the first time since 1992!
Compared to football players in the NFL, many of us have a lot more input over where we live, work and worship. Regardless of how we got here, our job is to shine God’s light for others: whether its on a new hill like N8 from St8 Farm (That’s Nathan Obregon’s fantasy football team), or the same hill we’ve called home for quite some time.
In what ways can you shine God’s light from your hill?
How can you spend some time working with your Quarterback? (In this metaphor the QB is God)
What deeds are currently bringing glory to your Father in heaven?
Do you spend time with God and your family daily? If not, you can find our daily family devotionals here.
Ray Sanchez is the manager of the Dobbins is a Free Elf Fantasy Football Team (1-2) in the Baptist Ballers FBCW Fantasy League. He’s got lots of points, but not a lot of victories. His wife also says that when he talks about fantasy football it sounds like he is talking about reality - then she laughs. He is also the Pastor of Worship and Children’s Discipleship at First Baptist Church Weslaco.
The New Normal...an Old Story.
By Raymond Sanchez
Gather:
How have things been different during the COVID-19 pandemic?
How have things been the same?
Hear:
John 3:16-17 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Mark 8:34 (ESV) And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Philippians 1:6 (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Pause:
Take a moment and meditate on God’s word
For Everyone:
“The New Normal” is a phrase that has been used by our society in regards to life after COVID-19. For many, it has been a chance to reprioritize their lives.
For our church, “The New Normal” started with a bang! Our first purely-online Youtube service started with 770 views. Our first Treehouse Club video had 370 views, and hits on our webpage with people participating in our daily devotionals were higher than they had ever been. Even our small groups in with their phone-in and online meetings exploded with people attending in record numbers. This was a new normal! The world was upside down, but there was comfort in the rhythms of Sunday and Wednesday worship and excitement in the new format that could be enjoyed in the comfort of our own homes. People were returning to God with gusto!
But God has been in the business of “New Normals” since long before the COVID-19 pandemic ever hit. God’s “New Normal” is actually the oldest and greatest story of love the world has ever known (John 3:16). Those who believe in Him are “new creations” who leave their old lives behind. But our Christian life was never meant to be easy. Sometimes, a COVID-19 wake up call is reminds us to get our priorities straight. But as the newness and excitement of the “New Normal” wears off, we are reminded that God’s old story is one of denying oneself and carrying one’s cross. It can be difficult. It’s not always “exciting." But we know God is carrying it through to completion until the day He returns.
Since the beginning of COVID-19, our Youtube views and website hits have steadily declined along with attendance participation for the small group studies. We understand there are many reasons for this, and this is not a plea to consume more FBC Weslaco online material. It is, however, a plea to remember that we are called to live into God’s old story of love, sacrifice, redemption and re-creation that has been going on for two-millennia. It is a reminder to continue to live as new creations. It is a reminder to carry your cross daily. It is a reminder to have faith that God is completing something inside you that you will never be able to do on your own. As we continue to re-adjust our lives, let’s continue to set our eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Wonder:
What has God been telling us during this pandemic?
As things start to open up again and school is ending, what are new routines we should keep?
What are old routines we should not let back into our lives?
Where do we see God’s Old Story of love, redemption, renewal and sacrifice happening around us now?
How can we live into that story?
Bless:
Dear God, thank you for making us new creations! Help us to honor you with our lives and not slip back into our old story of putting ourselves first. May we live into your story no matter what is happening around us.
Pouring Into Our Children
By Kelly Hancock (Originally Posted on faithful provisions.com, September 22, 2010)
I was made keenly aware today of how awesome is this responsibility of leading my children to Christ. But, also of how the Lord just asks us to do what he gives us and the rest is up to Him. Daily, I wonder if I am giving my children enough to build a strong foundation for them to love and trust in the Lord.
It is just amazing how the Lord will meet you where you are with comfort and confirmation. I have been praying lately that my inability to be the perfect parent (or even a good one at times) will not be a stumbling block for my children to follow Jesus. After all the devotionals and discussion about how God fits into our world, I always wonder if what I am trying to pour into them is making it into the rim of the glass or if it is falling into a puddle on the floor.
This morning we got in the car to drive to a farm where we get our eggs and I put in a CD that has bible verses to music from Seeds Family Worship. The first song was called “The Word of the Lord” I Peter 1:24-25 (you can get a free download here). The main chorus says “The Word of the Lord stands forever…”, after hearing that my 5 year old daughter says to me “Mommy I love the way this song makes me feel”. I can’t begin to tell you how that made me feel…she got it! The Holy Spirit is working in her and she feels the power of Gods Word and she loves it. That is all I can ask for. That was the confirmation that I needed from God that my pouring is going in the glass and not on the floor.
I firmly believe that one of the most important places for us as parents to start with our children is a knowledge of who the Lord is through his Word. To be able to teach our children God’s Word and for them to not only remember it, but be impacted by it is invaluable. I still remember the first chapter I memorized in Sunday School, Psalm 23. At the time, I wasn’t having a fun time memorizing it, but now it is the one chapter I can call up from memory and it gives me so much peace and encouragement to have it hidden in my heart for anytime I need it. I want that for my kids.
What are your favorite memory versus you teach your children?
What are your struggles in leading your children to the Lord?
I’d love for this to be a place of encouragement and ideas for all the moms reading here to lead their children!
Defense in Death's Valley
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
I know this is an NFL Fantasy league, but I love following the Baylor Bears. Last night, they beat West Virginia 17-14, a game they were picked to win by 17! It was way closer than it should have been and everyone, including me, was surprised at how badly Baylor was playing. When asked about his team’s struggles during an in-game interview, Baylor Coach Matt Rhule replied that everyone thinks you’re playing badly when your offense is struggling, but he was proud that the Bear’s defense was dominating! In the middle of the team’s struggles, Matt saw the power of his defense.
What will we do when we get begin to struggle in the valley of the shadow of death? I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. It would be really easy for us to focus the harsh realities of death’s valley and get caught up with all that is wrong in the world and our lives; or, we can be reminded that Jesus has already won the victory over evil and is there with us, comforting us with his rod and his staff. Thanks be to our Lord Jesus Christ that He has already given us the defense we need for victory - even in death’s valley.
Mid-Season Review
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
We are at week 7 of the Baptist Ballers Fantasy Football league, the exact middle of our regular season. What better way to celebrate the middle than to call out all the middling, “we are what our record says we are” .500 teams first?
This year, in our first annual Middle-Bowl Cook-off, the cleverly named Team Garcia* (3-3) hopes his team (Brandon) Cooks up more points than Team-5’s (3-3) master-chef – Dalvin Cook…see what I did there…it only gets worse?
In spite of losing his best player with frozen feet, and the speedster Hill to injury, Brown and Out (3-3) has been surprisingly resilient. With Tyreek Hill back from injury, be on the look-out for Brown and Out to make a strong push from .500 to be one of the top teams in the league – the Final Standing Projections have him finishing 4th. And if you see him wearing his brown pants, it’s not because he’s scared of losing to Team Garcia this week…
Team Garcia* (3-3) weathered the loss of the highest priced player in our draft (Saquon Barkley - $121) and still managed to knock of the Big Bad Foot who just lost Alvin Kamara to a bad foot (high ankle) for the week. Unless the Foot can find some help off his bench to replace his star player, rookie manager Michael Rodriguez, with the super-creative name, Team Rodriguez* (6-0), may stay comfortably atop the rankings at 7-0.
Speaking of top rankings, AH SI (5-1) was heard crying, “Ah Nooooooo!” along with the rest of Cowboy nation when AHmari Cooper went down with an injury. The battle of undefeated teams last week dealt Ah Si with his first loss as the rookie Rodriguez prevailed. Ah Si hopes to get back on track this week against Team Obregon (2-4) who limped out of TNF with Fantasy Star Pat Mahomes’ injury. Obregon responded, “We’re going down to Dallas, and our guys are gonna be ready to play. And we’re gonna win that football game and when we do, we’re in first place in the NFC East.” When asked later if he was guaranteeing a win he responded, “Oh, I was just reading an article about the Cowboys…I didn’t know I was being interviewed. Get that camera out of my face!”
In the Pastor Bowl, the cup of Christian charity runs over so greatly that the Preacher’s Punishers (4-2)plan on prevailing while spotting Kerryon, My Wayward Son! (4-2) a D/ST score. Not to be outdone, Wayward Son! spotted the Punishers three more points as he played his third different kicker this year to post a negative score. Sanchez is currently battling accusations that he is using his position as League Manager for personal gain by asking Russian hackers to change the kick-scoring system mid-game. When confronted with the accusation, Sanchez responded, “The Fantasy Football economy is great, we’ve never had so many Fantasy Football Points - ever!”
The Bottom Bowl will be played this week as both Zeke Ye First (1-5) and I Draft Rookies (1-5) will each be searching for their second wins of the season. Both are praying that “all these things will be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33) includes wins. Gaona said of his record, “Look guys, this is fun and all, but I’ve really been taking these devotionals to heart. It has really helped me prioritize God and my family. The Lord gives and takes away, and still my heart will choose to say…” Julio didn’t finish his statement as his three year old daughter had just clogged the toilet.
Similarly, Team Vela (1-5) is hoping for a strong number two in his bout with the RGV Chili Dogs (2-4) – talking about wins guys, get your minds out of the toilet. In his pregame press-conference Vela stated, “The season hasn’t (Carson) Wentz the way we planned, but we are not going to get (Justin) Tuckered out. At least, unlike some other teams, our A. Brown is still on the field. This week, our Gurley men plan on holding the mustard from the Chili Dogs!” Curry responded, “Does he think we are just going to run and Hyde? I invited all my Cousins to watch the game. We bought Pringles and special Kupps to drink from. We have a really, really good Theilen about this game. Oh, sorry, I’ve just been informed that the Pringles didn’t show up. Maybe I can get in my Carr and get some next week.” (Told you it would get worse).
Until next week, keep reading your Bibles, Ballers.
*The Baptist Ballers Fantasy Football teams would like to apologize for the lack of creativity in team names this year. Who could foresee that five people of Hispanic descent would be unable to think of a name other than their own for their team? Furthermore, the teams that share a surname (Garcia’s we are talking to you) have caused huge problems for those following our league around the world. For the record, China has not asked us to fire these managers over their team names. To quote Adam Silver, "We wanted to make sure everyone understood we were supporting free expression." However, if China plans to stop tithing to FBCW because of these manager’s behavior, we will consider taking league action at our next Family Council Meeting (October 23, 6:15 pm).
Home Field Advantage
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
This past Sunday night football game featured the Pittsburg Steelers playing at the temporary stadium for the Los Angeles Chargers. There were more Steeler fans than Charger fans and lead many to question whether the Chargers would ever have a home-field advantage in Los Angeles. There has been a revolving door of NFL teams in Los Angeles for decades. The instability with the Raiders, the Rams, and the Chargers over the years has led people to seek other teams to root for. It’s going to take a long time for the Chargers to develop a true home-field advantage.
Does God have home-field advantage in your home, or has instability in leadership caused your family to follow other gods? Do we “Love God, your God, with all you’ve got!” Do we “Write [God’s] commandments on our hearts?” Do we “Get them inside of us and then get them inside our children?” Do we “Talk about them wherever we are, sitting at home or walking in the street…from the time we get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night?” (Paraphrased from the Message)
Let’s give God home field advantage in our homes. This will take time, but there is no better time to invest in your families then now! You can bring your families to FBCW on Sundays or join us on YouTube as we continue in our Ten Commandment Study…see you then!
Dinner with Sinners
Matthew 9:10-17 New International Version (NIV)
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
This past Sunday, former President George Bush and Ellen Degeneres watched the Cowboy’s game together in a suite at AT&T stadium. If you haven’t heard the fireworks, do a quick search and see what comes up. Ellen was attacked by the LGBTQ community for even associating with someone who actively fought against gay-marriage rights. Her Christ-like response was that we should be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32). “When I say, ‘Be kind to one another’, I don’t mean only the people who think the same way that you do,” Ellen clarified. “I mean be kind to everyone. Doesn’t matter” (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/oct/08/ellen-degeneres-george-w-bush-lgbt). While many praised her response, it elicited more anger from those who believed that Bush’s sins against the LGBTQ community and role in the Iraq war could not be forgiven.
It’s easy to criticize others, but don’t we see this play out in our churches? “How could you eat with him after what he did?” “How can you talk to her after what she said? How can you fellowship with those people?” “How could people act like that at church?” “They are supposed to be Christians!”
Yes, they are supposed to be Christians. Jesus ate with the sinners because the healthy didn’t need a doctor. That must mean there are a lot of sick people in churches who need care – not perfect people who have it all figured out so they can judge others. Let’s remember to be kind to one another – not because Ellen said it, but because Jesus lived it. Jesus cares more for the mercy we show to others in his name than any sacrifice we can give. Let’s rejoice because he calls sinners like us to join in at his banqueting table. Let’s encourage one another to practice forgiveness so that more of the sick can find healing in this community we call church. Hope to see you at our next “Dinner with Sinners” on October 23, at 6:15 pm at FBC Weslaco. We call it “Family Council.”
-Ray Sanchez
How Long O Lord? Will You Forget the Cowboys Forever?
Psalm 13 (ESV)
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Remember two weeks ago when the Cowboys were going to the Super Bowl? Those were the days. It seems like a lifetime since the Cowboys won a Super Bowl...and for some of our children it has been! The Cowboy’s game was painful on Sunday. Now, I’m sure some of you out there rejoiced in that loss, but I’m sure you’ve been there with your team at some point or another.
How long O Lord? The Psalmist pleads with God to answer him. He begs him to stop looking away from him. He cries out for help so his enemies don’t rejoice over his situation. How long O Lord?
Will you forget my problems with my kids? Will you forget my frustrations with my spouse? Will you forget my dilemma with my boss? Will you forget my struggles with finances? Will you forget my battle with cancer? Will you forget the nation’s battle with divisiveness and hatred?
I always feel better when I can vent to a wise friend about major issues going on in my life. The Psalmist reminds us that we can let God know how we really feel. We can be brutally honest with Him because He can take it better than anyone...and can actually do something about it!
What’s going on in your life today? The pain of our sports teams surely do not compare to some of the pain many of us are bearing right now. Are you carrying your pain on your own shoulders or taking it to God?
“But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.”
You Are What Your Record Says You Are - by Steve Urbina
"You are what your record says you are. " - Bill Parcells
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:7-10 NIV
Some time ago when Bill Parcells was coaching the Cowboys, fans and media were raving about the talent on the team. They looked like a stacked team, but to our disappointment, they had lost some winnable games. When asked about why this stacked team was losing Bill Parcells stated, “You are what your record says you are.”
What does your life record say about you? Does your life seem stacked, but inside you are asking yourself, “Why am I average? Why am I 8 & 8?”
Our lives are a culmination of past choices. If you didn't draft good players in the fantasy draft, your team, like mine, is very, very average. Why do we settle for average when God’s gift of Jesus raises the value of even the worst of us to a must-start star?
We all try to be better parents, spouses, providers and people. But where are we right now in our relationships with those closest to us? Are we planting good relationship seeds with our families and co-workers? Are we spending time with God and being real with him? With God’s help, the seeds we plant now will grow into healthier relationships with those around us and a stronger connection to the Creator of the Universe. On the contrary, we can leave God out of it and reap the destruction of our sinful nature. The choices we make are seeds for our future and the future of those we love. Just because we may be 8 & 8 doesn’t mean you have to be average forever because we believe that Jesus plus anyone is a winning combination. Let’s challenge ourselves to intentionally follow Jesus, and plant seeds of the Spirit so we can look back and proudly state “I am who my Father says I am”.
Steve Urbina currently serves as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at FBC Weslaco. This adventure seeking husband and father surrendered his life to Christ in 2001, came to FBCW in 2002 and started Deconing in 2017. If there was a Commercial Insurance Sale Fantasy Draft, Steve would go in the first round right after Chuck Norris. Steve’s mission: to save the world one insurance policy at a time.
Remember the Sabbath - by Steven Parker
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (Exodus 20:1-11)
In our fast paced lives it may be hard to find time rest when we have so many responsibilities at work, home, and to our fantasy football teams. Here is an excerpt from Pastor Parker’s sermon this past Sunday that should help us to Remember the Sabbath. You can catch the whole sermon on YouTube!
As I sleep, the Keeper of Israel is working through biological restorative processes to strengthen my body and heal my mind. Throughout the night, whether I’m tossing and turning anxiously or resting in His loving care, God is at work sustaining His creation, bringing new babies into the world, and welcoming weary saints into His eternal rest. God works when I sleep and when I wake up it’s not the beginning of the story; when I wake up and begin my day, it’s simply an opportunity to participate in what God has set in motion. Sabbath—resting—ceasing—stepping back from the rat race for restoration, re-creation, and re-newal is an opportunity to bring our lives into that divine, creation rhythm. The 4th command is an invitation to participate in a weekly reminder that God is God and we are not; a weekly reminder that God is the Creator and Sustainer who is alive and at work in His world; a weekly reminder that God has worked to save us in Jesus Christ and given us what we could never earn or repay.
It’s important for us to spend time doing things that restore us and to consider what faithful Sabbath keeping would look like in our own lives. What would it take for us to regularly spend some well-wasted time in God’s presence? Are there some things we need to give up in order to create some margin in the pages of our story? Are there some priority shifts that need to be made to ensure that we really are seeking God’s kingdom before everything else? Are we willing to stop and quiet our minds regularly so that God can remind us that He really does have everything under control and won’t let our world crumble if we leave things in His hands and stop worrying about them?
We need Sabbath, perhaps more than ever before in this world where so many people can honestly say, “I am dangerously tired right now.” We need Sabbath in this time that is more defined by burnout than vocational satisfaction. We need Sabbath in this age when our cell phones and laptops make us accessible more than ever before and enable us to extend the workday into our daily commute to and from work, into the time that used to be reserved for dinner with our families, and well past what used to be bedtime. Remembering the Sabbath is important because it keeps some important truths at the forefront of our minds. The Sabbath reminds us that we serve the God who worked six days and then rested. The Sabbath reminds us that we follow the Savior who frequently slipped away from the crowds in need of ministry to pray and have fellowship with His disciples and friends. The Sabbath reminds us that we live our lives under the watchful eye of the Good Shepherd who makes His sheep lie down in green pastures so He can restore our souls. When we Remember the Sabbathit helps us bring our days in line with God’s evening-morning rhythms and to remember that it’s God’s work and not ours that saves and sustains and that our work, at its best, is an opportunity to participate in what God has already set in motion!
Sacrificing for the Team
1 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV)
I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
“I’m just not getting anything out of it.” “It used to be different.” “I just don’t get that same feeling anymore.” I bet Eli Manning could say all these things now that he has been replaced as the starter by Daniel Jones. You may have heard these statements when people talk about their church experiences. Pastors hear this quite often, usually in conjunction with people changing churches or leaving church all together. I get it.
Whether we were children or adults, those first years of following Christ were filled with feelings that came with being freed from sin, loved by God, and fellowshipping with a body of believers who were excited to support our new found faith in Christ. Then, real life set in. Perhaps the excitement of worship on Sunday faded into repetitive songs and sermons that seemed to be a shadow of those we once heard. Maybe the reality of relationships with fellow Christians came with many of the same ups and downs we had with our non-Christian friends. Somewhere along the way we probably realized that the pastor wasn’t perfect, the worship lacked wonder, and our Christian friends would fail us. “I’m just not getting anything out of it.”
But there is a time to grow out of this infant stage of faith where, like a baby, we focus on ourselves and our individual needs, wants, and feelings. Somewhere in our spiritual maturity, we must move on to solid food and stop expecting to simply “get something” out of weekly worship services.
True worship consists of giving something. We should offer our bodies as a living sacrifice. A sacrifice lays down their life for the one(s) they love. When we come together on Sundays, we remind each other that we are still free from sin, God still loves us, and the imperfect people around us are all striving to live Christian lives in an un-Christian world – even when it doesn’t “feel” like it.
Jesus sacrificed his life so he could redeem all of his creation. If we aren’t getting anything out of that, it’s because we have placed our focus on ourselves rather than the One who conquered sin and death! True worship focuses on God’s action in the world and reminds us that we are called to sacrifice ourselves for His kingdom, not the other way around.
Eli Manning is at a point where he can focus on his own feelings and leave the Giants, or sacrificially give everything he has left serving the team that has paid him $250,000,000 and put him in a position to win two Super-Bowls. None of us are Eli Manning, and the Giants hardly compare to God’s kingdom; but we all have to decide if we are going to make our lives about us or the one who paid the ultimate price to put us in a position to sacrifice for a kingdom that will never end.
I hope these devotionals are allowing you time to read God’s word and reflect on what He is doing all around us. I hope you make time to read your Bible and attend times of worship and fellowship between these twice-a-week devotionals. May these times help us focus less on ourselves and more on God. May we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice as we grow from spiritual milk to solid food in our Bible study, worship, fellowship, and service.
In Christ,
Ray
Faith and Fantasy Football
22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
Luke 8:22-24
In the fantasy football world, I have walked away from my computer screen numerous times after seeing my final score and thinking one or two of my players should have produced more points for me on the field. Sure, those players were ready and their projected score was set…and it was set pretty high. From my vantage point on the couch, the game plan was in their favor, those catches should have been made, and that run for the touchdown that didn’t happen should have definitely happened.
Disappointment is the word. That is what I am feeling in that moment, disappointment. I’m disappointed in what should have happened that didn’t. Disappointed at the fact that I lost to David Mata yet again. Disappointed in the fantasy of it all.
I believe when Jesus was awakened by his disciples on that stormy night, that is exactly what he felt, disappointment. Not in a sitting on the couch fantasy football kind of way, but in the understanding of the truth to which he was awakened. His disciples, who he had spent so much time with, disappointed him by their lack of faith.
Although the storm was raging, and the wind and the waves were pretty ominous, the Son of the Living God was aboard. In fact, Jesus found rest in the storm…maybe because of all the rocking and rolling of the boat!
The question Jesus asked his disciples could be asked of all us, “Where is your faith?” This fall, as modern disciples of Jesus, let’s produce better in the faith category. God’s better-than-a-couch projections for our faith are high because He is the cornerstone of our faith. Let’s not disappoint him. The storm might be raging, but remember Jesus is with you and He is not freaked out one bit. In fact, He is pretty chilled. Faith should never be a fantasy for us, especially in the midst of the storm. It should always be real and strong. Let’s set that kind of real faith as a projection for all of us and then make it happen because the One who commands the winds and the water is with us!
-Dr. Joe Rangel
Dr. Joe Rangel is currently an Associate Professor of Christian Ministry at “the” Wayland Baptist University. In his “lucky” 13th year in Christian higher education, Joe has also served churches in various pastoral roles throughout the years. “The” FBCW was one of those stops along the way. When he is not cheering on his SMU Mustangs or the Dallas Cowboys, or the San Antonio Spurs, he is pretty bored. However, he does enjoy the challenges and joys of ministry, hanging out with his wife, Sara and debating life’s issues with his soon to be nine-year old son David. Dr. Joe manages the Starkingly Good fantasy team in the Bible Thumpers league.
Do Your Job - by Kim Curry
1 Corinthians 12:18
But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
We recently held an Auction to fill the rosters of our teams. We picked a QB, RB, WR, etc. Why didn’t we pick 11 QB’s or 11 RB’s. A Team is made of many members playing different roles. Are the linemen unimportant? Ask any QB the importance of a good offensive line.
The same is even more true in the Church family, the Body of Christ. We all have different roles, but the body cannot function without all the areas filled. Some are good at physical work, some are good at contacting and checking on people, and some are good a hospital visits. Whatever our gifts, God has called us to serve His kingdom in our homes, our church, and our places of business. As Sean Payton of New Orleans Saints said a couple of years ago, “Do your job”.
By Kim Curry
Kim Curry’s favorite scripture is John 14:1-6.
Kim has been married to his wife Janice for 44 years and has been a member of FBC Weslaco for 45 years (I think we can all see what happened there). They have two children and five grandchildren. Kim has spent 38 years in Information Technology as an Application Developer, and has served as a Sunday School Teacher for 37 years and a Deacon for 35 years. When Kim speaks, you should listen. His words are equal parts wisdom and comic relief. You have to be on your A-game to discern which is which!
Kim enjoys hockey (thanks in part to the former Rio Grande Killer Bees), football, basketball, and boxing with his favorite sports team being the Dallas Stars. Kim also enjoys playing guitar, operating a ham radio, and laughing!