In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves bombarded by well-meaning voices telling us what to do, how to act, and where to focus. This exploration of parental coaching from the sidelines serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives. Just as young baseball players can become overwhelmed by too many instructions shouted from the stands—'elbow up,' 'swing harder,' 'watch the ball'—we too can become paralyzed by conflicting voices in our spiritual walk. The central message draws us to Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus teaches us about storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. This passage reminds us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. The beauty of this teaching is its simplicity: we must learn to tune out the noise and focus on what truly matters. Just as a hitter performs best when they've practiced enough that the mechanics become muscle memory, our faith grows strongest when we've internalized God's Word so deeply that it guides us naturally. We're challenged to examine where we spend our time, energy, and resources—because these reveal what we truly treasure. Are we chasing temporary achievements and earthly recognition, or are we investing in eternal things that honor God and bless others? This message invites us to declutter our spiritual lives, silence the counterproductive voices, and focus on the one Coach who truly knows what we need.

This unique training session reminds us of a powerful truth found in 1 Timothy 4:8: while physical training has value, godliness holds promise for both this life and the life to come. As we watch these baseball drills unfold, we're invited to consider how the principles of disciplined practice mirror our spiritual formation. Just as young athletes must learn proper mechanics—extending beyond their comfort zone, maintaining the right body position even when it hurts, and never stopping their momentum once they've committed to the play—we too must develop spiritual disciplines that sometimes challenge us. The emphasis on 'glove presentation' and working through the ball rather than just to it offers a beautiful parallel: in our faith journey, we're called to move forward with intentional preparation, presenting ourselves ready for whatever God brings our way. The repeated emphasis on doing things 'the right way' even when it's uncomfortable speaks to the cost of discipleship. Growth happens in those moments when our legs are shaking and we want to quit, but we push through. This winter training isn't just about staying sharp during the off-season—it's about building strength, developing muscle memory, and preparing for the season ahead. Similarly, our spiritual disciplines during 'off-seasons' of life prepare us for the moments when we'll need to respond with excellence.

In this powerful episode, we discover how God can use our deepest passions to draw us into relationship with Him, even when we don't yet know His name. Through Tony's remarkable testimony, we see a young athlete who found identity and purpose in baseball, yet struggled with brokenness and poor choices. His story reminds us that God plants seeds through faithful family members, even when we resist them. The turning point came in a bathroom, at rock bottom, when Tony cried out to a Jesus he barely knew. This moment of surrender led to an extraordinary confirmation—five secret questions answered through a stranger, proving God's intimate knowledge of our hearts. The anchor verse, Hebrews 12:2, challenges us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. As parents, coaches, and believers, we're reminded that teaching skills without pointing to Christ ultimately fails those we love. Whether our passion is baseball, music, or any pursuit, the real question is: are we fixing our eyes on temporary achievements or on the eternal One who gives all things meaning?

Ryker vs Dad in Home Run Derby Round 2! This episode features our all time picks at 3rd base and the outfield.

Ryker vs Dad in round 1 of Home Run Derby! This round features our all time picks at catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, and shortstop. Who will come out on top?

What makes an ordinary person extraordinary? This engaging exploration of the twelve disciples reveals a profound truth: the team that changed the world wasn't composed of superstars, but of regular people with diverse backgrounds and personalities. We discover how Jesus intentionally chose fishermen, tax collectors, and even those whose stories remain largely unknown to history. Matthew, despised as a tax collector, became an apostle when Jesus saw beyond societal labels. Thomas, forever remembered for one moment of doubt despite a lifetime of faithfulness, reminds us that our failures don't define our entire story. Thaddeus remains so obscure we barely know his contributions, yet he was essential to God's plan. The beauty of this divine lineup is that none of these men would have made anyone's draft pick—except Jesus. He saw potential where others saw limitation, calling each one with purpose and transforming their weaknesses into strengths. This challenges us to examine how we view ourselves and others: Are we looking through human eyes that focus on credentials and perfection, or through divine eyes that see transformation potential? When we come together with unified purpose under Christ's leadership, even the most unlikely team can accomplish the impossible. Our imperfections don't disqualify us; they position us to display God's power working through ordinary vessels.

As we gather around tables this Thanksgiving season, we're reminded that gratitude isn't just a seasonal sentiment—it's a way of life that transforms how we experience every moment. The powerful words from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 call us to "rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances." This isn't merely a suggestion for good times; it's God's will for us in Christ Jesus, applicable even when seasons end differently than we hoped, when tournaments don't go our way, or when life throws us unexpected curveballs. The beauty of biblical thankfulness is that it doesn't depend on perfect circumstances but on recognizing God's presence in every season—whether we're celebrating victories or working through winter training to prepare for what's ahead. Just as athletes must train consistently regardless of how the last game ended, our spiritual lives thrive when we cultivate a consistent posture of gratitude, prayer, and rejoicing. This Thanksgiving, we're challenged to consider: Are we only grateful when things go our way, or have we learned to give thanks in all circumstances, trusting that God is working even in the off-seasons of life? True thanksgiving transforms our perspective, turning every setback into a setup for growth and every ending into a new beginning.

In this exploration of faith and leadership, we discover how Philip's simple act of bringing Nathanael to Jesus with the words 'come and see' embodies the essence of authentic witness. The episode anchors us in Romans 15:13, reminding us that we are called to overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Philip may not have the most extensive biblical record, but his willingness to invite others into relationship with Christ demonstrates that faithful discipleship isn't measured by how much is written about us, but by how effectively we point others toward the Savior. Like a third baseman at the hot corner, ready to field whatever comes their way, Philip stood ready to engage with hard questions and bring people face-to-face with truth. His logical questions to Jesus about feeding the five thousand and seeing the Father weren't failures of faith but honest human responses that Jesus used to teach deeper truths. We're challenged to consider: Are we willing to be the ones who simply say 'come and see' to those around us? Sometimes the most profound impact we can have is bringing just one person to Jesus, trusting that even when our faith feels small or our questions seem too simple, God is working through our willingness to engage. ⁨@BaseballandtheBiblepodcast⁩ #baseball #comeandsee