Opening Day

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." --Romans 8:1

Yep, I'm too predictable, aren't I? As I do each year, I'm celebrating the beginning of the Major League Baseball season. Of course, many of you know we're thrilled that the Boys of Summer have taken the field. In fact, I'm not kidding when I say I've been whistling "Take me out to the ballgame" a lot lately. (And maybe now so are you.)

But as I watched my beloved Yankees take the field yesterday, it occurred to me that Opening Day can teach us a lot about grace. Reason being, right before player step into the batter's box, each person's average on the screen will be .000 -- a clean slate. Reverend Scotty Smith says, "Jesus didn't just die to give us a clean slate, but to give us His righteousness." Take a swing at that for a second.

You know, each morning you and I step up to the plate ready to swing away at whatever the day throws at us. Thankfully, no matter how many strikeouts we had yesterday, God's mercy is new with each plate appearance. And with the Resurrection approaching, it feels so appropriate, no? Jesus conquered death so we can have life; an abundant life with no record of wrongs. When Jesus rose from the grave, He gave us every reason we need to look alive. You know, I'm now whistling a medley. "Take me out to the ballgame"...because I know "He Lives".

--Jimmy Peña

iPrayFit Project Update: Kids, we did it. We raised enough money to build a well. Charity Water sent me an email this weekend that congratulated us and thanked us for helping people get access to clean water. Because of YOU, we raised $10,189; enough to give people clean water for the rest of their lives. I just wanted to give you an update and to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your giving.