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

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!

In Goodell We Trust - by Joe Aguilar

The first week of Fantasy Football is in the books! Some of us feel like draft geniuses and others may feel like draft dunces: but it’s a marathon not a sprint! Here is a devotional from Pastor Joe to help keep our heads on straight!

1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”

Exodus 20:1-3

Right out of the blocks God issues the first commandment and most important commandment. “You shall have no other gods before me.” Even after delivering His people from Egypt, the Israelites forget about Him almost overnight. God fulfilled all of His promises and still His people looked elsewhere for help, seeking the comfort of the type of idols they had in Egypt. They didn’t trust God. 

If we are not careful, we too can fall just like the Israelites. 

“Do not have other gods before me.” God wants to be number one in your life. He doesn’t want to be near the top of a list. He doesn’t want to be one of your favorites. He wants to be the center of your life. Some translations of this passage use the word “besides.” What God is saying here is that there should be no other gods “besides” Him in your life. 

Everyone is probably thinking that I am playing in the church fantasy football league, I am a Christian, and God is my only God. If we are not careful, this league can become your god. We can spend countless hours viewing matchups, checking who our players opponents are, making sure we have the right matchups, reading fantasy football articles, listening to fantasy football podcasts, and anything else we can get our hands on. Not that we are judging, but how does that compare to the time you spend reading God’s word? How does it compare to your prayer time? How does it compare to the time you spend in service of God’s Kingdom, leading and guiding your family, or ministering to co-workers? 

“I am the Lord your God,” says Yahweh. Are we looking to God to meet our daily needs or do we find ourselves finding too much comfort in the mindless escape of a fantasy world? Are trusting in God or Goodell? Fantasy Football should be fun, but let us remember to put God first above all else!

In Christ,

Joe Aguilar

Fantasy Football: The Ministry

Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV)

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

We’ve been joking about Fantasy Football being an important ministry at our church. For some of us, it’s right up there with Disaster Relief, Food Pantry, Sunday Worship and our Bess Knapp Daycare. It even has its own ministry page on our church website and now has a weekly devotional blog! But even though we may be guilty of putting too much emphasis on something that has no actual bearing in real life – after all it is called “Fantasy,” there is still an opportunity for us to minister to one another. Because of Fantasy Football, I spend more time interacting with this group of guys and gals over the course of the football season than I do throughout the rest of the year. I hope we can each see this time as an opportunity to get to know one another a little better and “Bear one another’s burdens” over the next few months…and I don’t mean the burdens of injuries to your best player or blowing over half your budget on Saquon Barkley.

There may be someone going through a hard time that needs encouragement. Some of us maybe transgressing in a way that calls for restoration in a spirit of gentleness. Others may need help fighting our own temptations and could use a good Christian friend to help.

Let’s get to know the people in our league via the ESPN App, social media, e-mail, or even in real life! As you look over your lineups for the week, pray for the person you are playing. Pray for those with better records than you. Pray for those who grabbed your player off the waiver wire. You may not know them well, or what they are going through, but God does! 

Don’t forget, you can communicate with your league via your fantasy football message board on the app, or through the REALM App.  

In Christ, 

Ray